The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, announced that 88 sugarcane farmers in the West received government grants during a ceremony held in Ba. The funds include the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at enhancing productivity and providing essential resources for farmers.
To date, the government has supported 223 farmers through the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme. Minister Singh emphasized the significance of these grants, stating that they assist farmers in accessing and securing land for sugarcane cultivation. The recent beneficiaries include 52 farmers in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor.
Recognizing the challenges of land tenure, Singh affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving land lease issues, which are critical for the sustainability of the sugar industry. He noted that farm mechanisation is a priority strategy aimed at addressing labor shortages and high production costs.
As part of this initiative, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators will be distributed to tractor service providers in the sector. Singh mentioned that through the Farm Mechanisation Grant, the government will subsidize 50 percent of the cost of these machines, making them more affordable for providers who will, in turn, offer their services to farmers at reduced rates. This partnership aims to make modern farming practices accessible to all farmers.
The minister stressed that the mechanisation programme is vital for modernizing the sugar industry, lowering production costs, and boosting yields, thereby ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for sugar farming in Fiji.
In summary, the government’s support through these grants not only assists farmers in securing land but also fosters innovation and modernization in the sugarcane sector. This is a hopeful step forward, positioning the industry for a resilient future, while enabling farmers to thrive in a competitive environment.
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