Fiji Sugar Minister optimistic about industry revival
Fiji’s Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh expressed optimism about revitalizing the sugar industry but stressed that it will take time. Speaking at the final handover of the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance Program in Lautoka, Singh highlighted the government’s efforts to address land lease issues and provide farm mechanization support, including sugarcane planters and fertilizer applicators to boost productivity.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh is optimistic about restoring the sugar industry to its former glory, but emphasizes that the process will take time and cannot be achieved overnight.
He highlighted this while officiating at the final handover for the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance Program at the Ministry of Sugar Industries in Lautoka today.
He said the ministry is committed to enhancing support for farmers, and such initiatives underscore their dedication to revitalizing the sugar industry.
Under the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance Program, the ministry has already assisted 347 farmers in the 2024-25 financial year, and today’s final handover will provide support to an additional 15 farmers.
Of the 15, five farmers are from the Lautoka mill, while the remaining 10 are from the Rarawai mill area.
This program supports farmers by providing funding to access and secure land for farming.
“Our government understands that secure land access is vital for the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry. Through continued consultation and strategic planning, we are committed to addressing land lease issues, ensuring that every farmer has the support needed to thrive.”
The Minister also highlighted the Farm Mechanisation Grant, which aims to enhance sugarcane productivity by addressing challenges such as labour shortages and high production costs.
He said the ministry will distribute 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators to tractor service providers across the sugar sector under this program, which is part of the ministry’s 2023-24 budget allocation.
To read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : FBC News
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
