The budget increase signifies a commitment to support the sugar industry ensuring continued growth and prosperity- Sugar Minister

The budget increase is a significant step in the government's commitment to support the sugar industry, ensuring continued growth and prosperity.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh who says this is the government’s comprehensive plan to support the farmers further and enhance sugarcane production.

While officiating during the 2024 Farmer’s Open Day at the Gujarati grounds in Ba the Minister highlighted that farmers can expect an increase in the Manual Harvesting Support initiative programs, which has seen its funding triple from $1 million to $3 million which will allow for a manual subsidy support increase to $3 per ton, from $1 per ton previously.

He says the Cane Access Road budget has been doubled from $2 million to $4 million in response to challenges faced by the farmers to transport their cane to the mills, and to ensure improved infrastructure support for farmers.

Singh says existing programs, such as the New Farmers & Lease Premium Assistance initiative, will also continue to receive backing from the Ministry.

The sugar industry has been allocated a total of $70.1 million in the 2024/2025 National Budget.