Five sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki have received a financial lifeline as part of government’s efforts to assist those affected by pre-season burnt cane.
While handing over the Burnt Cane Rehabilitation Grant, Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh says he understands that this has been a very difficult time for the farmers, as burnt cane meant the loss of their income for the year.
He says while this grant may be a small gesture, it carries a strong message — that the government wants to help farmers re-establish their lost crop and encourage their continued participation in sugarcane farming.
Singh emphasised that burnt cane is not just a personal loss to individual farmers, but a threat to the entire sugar industry.
He says the increasing amount of burning, especially in the Rakiraki area, has been damaging to the quality of sugar produced.
He adds that the Fiji Sugar Corporation is finding it difficult to secure reliable buyers, and if this continues, there is a risk of reduced prices for Fijian sugar on the global market — which would mean less income for every farmer.
The Minister says the Ministry is focused on building resilience and growth for farmers, with 12 programmes being rolled out this financial year to support them and boost sugarcane production.
He says one of these initiatives is the Sugarcane Development and Farmers Assistance Programme, commonly known as the Cane Planting Grant, with revised criteria this year to make it more impactful by targeting productive farmers who can deliver real returns on the investment.
Singh also announced the launch of a new newsletter called Cane Grower.
He says this newsletter is designed to serve as a bridge between farmers, industry stakeholders, and the government.
He adds that it will provide farmers with important updates on programmes, initiatives, and government support measures.
