The New Farmers and Lease Renewal program has already assisted 235 sugarcane farmers in the Northern and Western divisions, and Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh says this initiative provides crucial land security, enabling farmers to expand their sugarcane operations.
Singh says in addition to land access, the government is modernizing farming practices through the Farm Mechanization Grant which will provide 12 sugar planters and 16 fertilizer applicators.
He says these tools are designed to boost productivity and reduce labor costs for farmers with the government subsidizing 50 percent of the equipment cost for tractor service providers.
He further says these grants are part of the government's ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers.
Singh says this initiative is a testament to their commitment to making the sugar industry more sustainable and competitive in the future.
He urges farmers to make full use of the opportunities provided to maximize the benefits for the long-term prosperity of Fiji's sugar industry.
