Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has expressed confidence in revitalising the nation’s sugar industry, acknowledging that the journey to recovery will require patience and persistence.
At the final handover ceremony for the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance Program in Lautoka today, Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and rebuilding the industry.
He announced that 347 farmers have already received support under the assistance program during the 2024-25 financial year. An additional 15 farmers—five from the Lautoka mill area and 10 from the Rarawai mill area—were included in today’s final handover.
“This program ensures farmers have access to secure land for farming, which is critical for the long-term stability of the sugar industry,” Singh stated. “We are working to resolve land lease issues so every farmer has the resources to succeed.”
Singh also introduced the Farm Mechanisation Grant, an initiative designed to boost sugarcane production by addressing issues such as labour shortages and high costs.
As part of the program, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators will be distributed to tractor service providers in the sugar sector. These machines, which are partially funded by the government’s 2023-24 budget, aim to make farming more efficient and less labour-intensive.
“The government is offering a 50% subsidy on these machines, allowing service providers to purchase them at reduced costs,” Singh explained. “In turn, these providers will offer subsidized services to farmers, particularly for planting and fertilizer application.”
Singh emphasized that initiatives like these are part of a larger strategy to restore the sugar industry’s former success and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
