The Ministry of Sugar has successfully supported 325 farmers through its newly established assistance program aimed at helping new farmers and providing aid for lease premiums. This initiative is crucial for enabling farmers to acquire and secure land for sugarcane cultivation, ensuring the industry’s sustainability.
During a recent visit to Labasa, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh announced that an additional 38 farmers will also receive support. This includes 23 farmers in the Labasa Mill area, five in Lautoka, and ten in the Rarawai mill area. This program not only aids newcomers to the industry but also helps existing farmers secure land tenure, which is essential for expanding their operations.
Mr. Singh emphasized the government’s recognition of secure land access as fundamental to the long-term viability of the sugar industry. He reassured that continued consultations and strategic approaches are in place to resolve land lease challenges, ensuring that farmers have the necessary support for success.
In addition to land access, the ministry is prioritizing the modernization of agricultural practices. Addressing issues such as labor shortages and high production costs, the ministry is focusing on farm mechanization as a strategic move to enhance productivity. To this end, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators are being distributed to tractor service providers across the sector, allowing farmers to plant and fertilize more efficiently and reduce their reliance on manual labor.
The government is offering a 50 percent subsidy through the farm mechanization grant, making these essential tools accessible for tractor service providers. This will enable them to provide subsidized services to farmers, particularly for sugarcane planting and fertilizer application. So far, six service providers in the Northern region have received these implements, with additional providers expected to join soon.
Aiyub Khan, a sugarcane farmer from Labasa, recently received a grant of $9,500 for farm machinery. Mr. Khan expressed gratitude to the ministry and government for this support, highlighting the positive impact it has on his farming endeavors. With eight sugarcane farms and over 27,000 tonnes supplied to the FIJI Sugar Corporation this year, he views mechanization as a key step towards addressing labor shortages and improving efficiency in sugar farming.
In summary, the Ministry’s initiatives present a hopeful outlook for the sugar industry in Fiji. With continued support for farmers and advancements in mechanization, the industry is set to become more sustainable, competitive, and capable of meeting modern agricultural challenges. These developments not only empower farmers like Mr. Khan but also strengthen the entire agricultural community in Fiji.
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