The Ministry of Sugar Industry is actively working to improve sugarcane productivity and support farmers in the Northern Division. In this context, they are providing assistance to 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 farmers in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
This initiative offers eligible farmers financial aid that covers 30 percent of lease renewal costs or up to $7,500. During a recent event where grant agreements were distributed to farmers, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh emphasized that the program is designed to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and motivate both new and existing farmers to enhance sugarcane production.
Singh highlighted the significance of the sugar industry as the largest industry in the northern division, underscoring the need for its revitalization. He noted that government support, provided through this program, is in response to farmers’ concerns about the rising costs associated with lease renewal premiums.
Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received aid through the Farm Mechanization Grant for equipment such as a cane planter and fertilizer applicator. The Ministry also plans to extend assistance to sugarcane farmers in the western division.
To date, a total of 177 sugarcane farmers from both the northern and western divisions have benefited from this assistance program. One of the farmers from Seaqaqa, Mohammed Janab, expressed his gratitude for the government’s initiative, stating that the financial support provides significant relief for him and his family, as the government has covered $5,000 of his $15,000 premium.