To combat the pressing labor shortage affecting sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar industry is rolling out support measures that include providing five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) within the Western Division. These TSPs, which are based in regions such as Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, have received assistance through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant program.
During a recent machinery handover in Ba, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, emphasized the initiative’s goal of boosting productivity in the sugar sector while addressing the dual challenges of labor shortages and elevated production costs. Singh remarked, “Recognizing the need to tackle labor shortages and high production costs, we are prioritizing farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost sugar productivity.” He highlighted that mechanisation is integral to modernizing the industry and improving yield performance.
Noa Kautoga, president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, praised the government’s continued support for sugarcane farmers through a variety of initiatives. He noted, “The government, through the Ministry of Sugar, is doing much for the farmers. Initiatives like the mechanisation program help farmers leverage modern techniques and significantly alleviate labor challenges.”
Furthermore, the Minister reassured that these efforts are paving the path for a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry. Under the farm mechanisation grant program, the government is providing a 50 percent subsidy on machinery, making it more affordable for TSPs. These service providers will then pass on the savings to farmers by offering their services for cane planting and fertilizer application at reduced rates.
This initiative represents a hopeful turning point for the sugar industry, as it not only helps farmers adapt to modern agricultural practices but also boosts overall productivity, ensuring the long-term sustainability of sugarcane cultivation in the region. With continued support and modernization efforts, sugarcane farmers may find themselves better equipped to faced challenges, leading to a revitalized industry.
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