At a time when many people are losing their jobs or working on reduced hours, sugarcane farmer, Peniasi Sokia Evo of Balevuto, Ba is trying to become one of the largest sugarcane producers in Fiji.
Evo has received a grant of $2,300 from government under the New Farmers Assistance Scheme for sugarcane farming.
The 49 year old farmer says he will use this money to get proper lease for 10 acres of land and expects to start cultivating it soon.
Evo says they need to revive the sugar industry in Fiji.
He is encouraging his Mataqali and Tokatoka to maximise the utilisation of their land.
Meanwhile, Kanda Swamy Goundar of Sabeto, Lautoka has also decided to take up sugarcane farming as he believes it will lead to success.
The 57 year old says there is no retirement age in farming and as long as a person’s health is good, they can continue farming.
He says his son has also taken an interest in sugarcane farming.
Goundar who bought 12 acres of land last year has received a grant of $10,000 from the government.
He says he will use the money to make a borehole in his farm.
The Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Yogesh Karan handed out about $300,000 in grants to 39 new sugarcane farmers yesterday.
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