The Ministry of Sugar Industry is taking steps to improve sugarcane productivity and provide support to farmers in the Northern Division. As part of its New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program, the ministry is assisting 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 in Seaqaqa.
Eligible farmers are offered financial assistance that covers 30 percent of the cost of lease renewals, up to a maximum of $7,500. During a recent event where grant agreements were distributed, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh highlighted that the program is designed to alleviate farmers’ financial strains and to motivate both new and existing farmers to enhance sugarcane production.
Singh emphasized the significance of the sugar industry in the northern division and the necessity for its revival. He noted that government support was initiated in response to concerns raised by farmers about the high premiums associated with lease renewals.
Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received assistance through the Farm Mechanization Grant for Cane Planters and Fertilizer Applicators. The ministry has plans to extend similar support to sugarcane farmers in the western division as well.
To date, 177 sugarcane farmers across the northern and western divisions have received help from this program. Seaqaqa farmer Mohammed Janab expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative, stating that the financial support has significantly eased the burden on him and his family, with the government covering $5,000 of his $15,000 premium.