More farmers across Fiji are set to benefit as $121,952 in government grants is being rolled out to boost agriculture, with eight farmers in the Western Division already receiving $43,479 and another 16 Labasa farmers to receive $78,473 later this week.
While handing over the grant under New Farmer Assistance and Lease Premium Renewal programme in the Western Division, the outgoing Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh highlighted key achievements delivered under his three-year tenure, including the three highest cane payments in Fiji’s history, renewed stakeholder confidence, and steady progress towards long-term industry recovery.
Under the Coalition Government, cane farmers recorded $91.38 per tonne for the 2022 crop, $105.08 per tonne for the 2023 crop, and $101.13 per tonne for the 2024 crop.
Singh says these outcomes are the result of improved coordination, strong government support, and above all, the resilience and hard work of our farmers.
He noted that the Government shifted the industry’s direction from blame to partnership, from short-term fixes to long-term foundations, and from fragmented decision-making to collective responsibility — resulting in renewed unity, transparency, and accountability across the sector.
Singh also highlighted progress towards the Government’s production target of increasing cane output by 200,000 tonnes annually, supported through investments in mill performance, logistics, governance reforms, and field support.
He says importantly, this Government has been clear from the start, they are not in the business of shutting down sugar communities; they are in the business of rebuilding them.
Singh says the programme has supported 587 farmers, with a total government investment of $2.7 million.
He says these grants are more than financial assistance; they are an investment in confidence, continuity, and the future of our cane industry — helping new farmers enter the sector, supporting lease renewals, and ensuring productive land remains under cultivation.
Singh will take up his new role as Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Public Enterprises from Monday.
