A total of 59 sugarcane farmers in Seaqaqa were granted assistance from the government to facilitate their land acquisition for farming. Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, highlighted the importance of the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant Program, which aims to bolster the sugar industry.
Singh expressed that this program demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that land tenure challenges do not hinder agricultural advancements. He emphasized that the initiative not only assists burgeoning farmers but also aims to enhance the security of land tenure for existing farmers, enabling them to grow their operations and support the long-term viability of the sugar sector.
In a similar vein, a recent initiative assisted 88 sugarcane farmers in the Western region, where Singh reiterated the necessity of secure land access for sustainable farming. He noted that the program has thus far benefited 223 farmers and underscored the importance of addressing land lease challenges.
Furthermore, measures are being taken to enhance productivity within the sugar industry by focusing on farm mechanisation. The government is distributing machinery, such as sugarcane planters and fertiliser applicators, at subsidized prices, to promote modern farming practices across the sector.
This ongoing support not only aims to revitalize the sugarcane farming sector but also seeks to foster economic growth and sustainability within Fiji’s agricultural community. Ultimately, these initiatives present a hopeful outlook for the future of the sugar industry, ensuring that both new and existing farmers can thrive.
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