To combat the ongoing labor shortage in sugarcane farming, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sugar, has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with support aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. This initiative came through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant programme, which specifically assists sugarcane planters and fertilizer applicators in the regions of Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki.
During the machinery handover event held in Ba, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that this initiative is critical for addressing significant challenges in the sugar industry, namely labor shortages and rising production costs. He stated, “Recognising the need to tackle labor shortages and high production costs, we are prioritising farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost sugar productivity.”
The Minister highlighted that the mechanisation programme is not just about enhancing production but also about modernizing the sugar industry as a whole. Mr. Singh announced that the government is committed to a sustainable and competitive sugar industry through these innovative initiatives.
Noa Kautoga, president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing support for sugarcane farmers, stating that such initiatives significantly aid farmers in adopting modern agricultural techniques while simultaneously addressing labor shortages.
The government has made it easier for TSPs to access farm machinery by providing a 50% subsidy through the mechanisation grant programme. This financial assistance allows service providers to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for planting and fertilizing sugarcane.
This program reflects a proactive approach to not only resolving immediate operational challenges but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry, paving the way for future advancements and increased yield potential.
In summary, this initiative serves as a promising step towards revitalizing the sugarcane farming sector, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to face challenges ahead while also embracing modernization in agriculture.
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