The Sugar Ministry allocates an annual budget of $328,000 to assist in the production of sugarcane, as announced by Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh. This financial support plays a crucial role in aiding the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) by providing necessary resources for manual labor and harvesting equipment.
A significant part of this initiative involves a partnership with the Fiji Corrections Service, which contributes manual labor to support cane harvesting through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). “The ministry spends an average of $328,000 annually to engage inmates for cane harvesting,” Mr. Singh explained. Each year, around 10 teams—comprising 12 to 14 inmates each—collectively harvest roughly 10,000 tonnes of cane.
The budget covers various expenses, including vehicle hire, wages, and logistical support, allowing farmers to concentrate on their harvesting needs. Mr. Singh expressed gratitude towards the Fiji Corrections Service and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport for their logistical assistance during the critical harvesting season.
In terms of harvesting methods, Mr. Singh indicated that while 40 percent of the cane is harvested mechanically with about 100 mechanical harvesters, there remains a significant challenge with the remaining 60 percent, which relies on manual harvesting. “Last year, we engaged 5,402 cane cutters for manual harvesting,” he added, highlighting the difficulties farmers face in timely recruitment.
In conclusion, this initiative not only supports the sugarcane industry but also promotes rehabilitation opportunities for inmates, creating a positive impact on the community. Overall, the collaboration between government bodies and community services reflects a concerted effort toward sustainable agricultural practices and social cooperation.
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