The Ministry of Sugar has launched a new farmers and lease premium assistance program that has successfully supported 325 farmers, facilitating their access to land for sugarcane cultivation. This initiative was highlighted by Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, during his visit to Labasa, where he also announced that an additional 38 farmers will soon receive assistance—23 in the Labasa Mill area, five in Lautoka, and 10 in the Rarawai mill area.
Minister Singh emphasized the importance of secure land access for both new entrants and existing farmers, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry. He affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing land lease issues through strategic planning and consultation, ensuring that all farmers receive the necessary support to succeed.
In addition to securing land, the ministry is modernizing farming practices to tackle labor shortages and high production costs. A key element of this modernization is farm mechanization. The government is providing a 50 percent subsidy on various farming machines, including 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators, which are being distributed to tractor service providers in the sugar sector. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency in planting and fertilizing, thereby reducing manual labor and improving productivity.
Minister Singh also noted that six tractor service providers in the Northern region have already received these essential tools, with more expected soon. This mechanization strategy is a vital part of the broader plan to modernize Fiji’s sugar industry, reduce production costs, and increase yields, leading to a more competitive agricultural sector.
The impact of this program was illustrated through the experience of Aiyub Khan, a sugarcane farmer from Labasa, who recently received a grant of $9,500 for new equipment. Khan, who has been farming sugarcane for over 15 years and supplied 27,000 tonnes of sugarcane this year, expressed gratitude to the ministry and government for their support, stating that mechanization offers a promising solution to labor shortages and represents the future of smart farming.
Overall, this initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to nurturing the agricultural sector, aiming for sustainability and enhanced productivity in the sugar industry.
Summary: The Ministry of Sugar has supported 325 farmers through a new assistance program, with plans for additional aid to others. The initiative focuses on securing land access and modernizing farming through mechanization, including subsidies for farming equipment. The program aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in Fiji’s sugar industry, making it more competitive and addressing labor shortages. Aiyub Khan, a beneficiary, highlighted the positive impact of mechanization in his farming operations.
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