To combat the ongoing labor shortage faced by sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, along with the Sugar Ministry, has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with essential farm machinery. This assistance comes through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant program, which aims to support sugarcane planters and fertilizer applicators.
The farm machinery was officially handed over in Ba by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, who emphasized that this initiative is crucial for boosting productivity in the sugar industry, while addressing the pressing issues of labor shortages and high production costs. “Recognizing the need to tackle labor shortages and high production costs, we are prioritizing farm mechanisation as a vital part of our strategy to enhance sugar productivity,” Mr. Singh stated.
Noa Kautoga, president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing support for sugarcane farmers through various initiatives. He remarked that the mechanisation program helps farmers adopt modern techniques and addresses the significant challenge of labor shortages.
The Minister highlighted that the government is committed to creating a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through such initiatives. As part of the farm mechanisation grant scheme, the government is providing a 50 percent subsidy on the machinery, making it more accessible for TSPs to obtain this equipment. These providers are expected to offer their services to farmers at subsidized rates, specifically for cane planting and fertilisation tasks.
This initiative represents a progressive step towards enhancing the sugar industry by integrating modern farming techniques. As machinery becomes more accessible, farmers can not only improve productivity but also alleviate some of the pressures brought on by labor shortages.
The government’s commitment to supporting farmers through mechanisation is a hopeful sign for the future of the sugar industry, reinforcing the potential for growth and sustainability in this vital agricultural sector.
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