The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, on 5 September handed over the Pre-Season Burnt Cane Rehabilitation Grant to sugarcane farmers in Sabeto, Nadi, underscoring government’s drive to revitalise the struggling sugar industry.
Addressing the farmers, Singh said the government was determined to bring the sector back to its former strength by boosting production and adopting modern solutions.
“We are working to revive this vital industry and bring it back to what it used to be. The government is committed to supporting our farmers and ensuring the future sustainability of sugar,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the Coalition Government’s plans to build a new sugar mill in Rakiraki, with expressions of interest already advertised. The project, he said, would open a new chapter for Fiji’s sugar industry.
On the persistent labour shortage, Singh said the ministry was pursuing overseas recruitment while expanding mechanisation across the sector. Programmes such as tractor service providers and fertiliser applicators are already in place, with specialised harvesters for hilly terrain expected soon.
He revealed that the Government of India had pledged support through 12 drones for fertiliser application and a mobile soil testing laboratory, which will strengthen research and innovation in sugar farming.
The minister said several grants and assistance programmes were available to help farmers increase yields and adopt modern practices. He urged growers to plant recommended cane varieties and rely on advice from the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji to improve productivity.
“The future of the sugar industry lies in modernization, research, and farmer support. Together, we will build a resilient and thriving sugar sector for Fiji,” Singh said.
Farmers who attended the handover welcomed the assistance, describing it as timely support that would help them recover from challenges faced in recent seasons.
