The Ministry of Sugar has successfully supported 325 farmers through its new farmer and lease premium assistance program, aimed at providing vital funding for sugarcane farming land access and security. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, announced this initiative during a recent visit to Labasa, where he also stated that an additional 38 farmers would receive similar support—23 in the Labasa Mill area, five in Lautoka, and 10 in Rarawai.
This initiative not only encourages new entrants in the sugar industry but also helps existing farmers expand their operations, underscoring the government’s recognition of secure land access as critical for the sugar industry’s long-term sustainability. “Through ongoing consultations and strategic planning, we are dedicated to resolving land lease issues to equip every farmer with the necessary support to succeed,” Mr. Singh emphasized.
In addition to addressing land access, the Ministry is advancing efforts to modernize farming techniques by focusing on farm mechanization to combat labor shortages and high production costs. Mr. Singh reported the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators to tractor service providers throughout the sector. These tools will enable farmers to plant and apply fertilizers more efficiently, ultimately reducing manual labor and enhancing productivity.
The farm mechanization grant initiative offers a 50% subsidy on such machinery, allowing service providers to access these tools at lower costs and pass on the savings to farmers, particularly for planting and fertilizer application services. Six service providers in the Northern region have already received these essential implements, with three more expected to join soon. Mr. Singh emphasized that this mechanization initiative is crucial to modernizing the sugar industry, lowering production costs, and enhancing yields, thereby fostering a sustainable and competitive future for sugar production in Fiji.
A noteworthy testimony comes from Aiyub Khan, a sugarcane farmer from Labasa, who received a $9,500 grant for a sugarcane planter and a fertilizer applicator. Having supplied 27,000 tonnes of sugarcane to the Fiji Sugar Corporation Labasa Mill this year from his eight farms, Mr. Khan expressed gratitude for the government’s partnership: “This investment is pivotal for my sugarcane business. Mechanization is the way forward to address labor shortages and improve farming efficiency.”
The collective efforts from the Ministry of Sugar promise a revitalized future for Fiji’s sugar industry, enhancing productivity and securing livelihoods for its farmers while ensuring sustainable practices are upheld.
Overall, this initiative highlights a proactive approach taken by the government to support agriculture, focusing on modernization and sustainability, which is crucial not only for economic stability but for nurturing a resilient community of farmers in Fiji.
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