The Ministry of Sugar Industry is working to improve sugarcane productivity and support farmers in the Northern Division by assisting 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
This program provides eligible farmers with financial assistance covering 30 percent of the lease renewal costs, up to a maximum of $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 challenges for farmers and to motivate both new and existing farmers to increase sugarcane production.
Singh noted that the sugar industry is the largest sector in the northern division and requires revitalization. He added that the government’s support was implemented in response to farmers’ concerns about the high costs associated with lease renewal premiums.
Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received assistance through the Farm Mechanization Grant for purchasing a cane planter and fertilizer applicator. The Ministry plans to extend this support to sugarcane farmers in the western division as well.
To date, a total of 177 sugarcane farmers across the northern and western divisions have benefited from this program.
Seaqaqa farmer Mohammed Janab expressed his gratitude for the government’s initiative, stating that the financial support has provided significant relief for his family, as the government covered $5,000 of his $15,000 premium.