The sugar industry, whether we like it or not, will always remain close to the heart of our economy.

The livelihood of many Fijian people has been dependent on it.

No wonder the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has a special place for the industry and the people in­volved in it.

He echoed the sentiments while handing over the Fiji Sugar Corporation tractors and farm implements at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka on Thursday.

It is well understood that the commitment from the Government is as strong now as ever.

The sweat and effort of cane farmers has not gone un­noticed because it has helped build Fiji as we know it to what it is today, and so it will help build the Fiji of tomorrow as well.

Our economy is on track to grow for nine years in a row and that has never happened since our independence.

And, unemployment in Fiji stands at the lowest point in 20 years.

The Government has always been clear and consistent all throughout with its game plan for putting our sugar in markets all around the world.

All of our farmers have played a critical part in our success.

Mr Bainimarama and the FijiFirst Government are working hard as well, fighting for the farmers and for this industry at home and abroad.

Now with all the sugar consultations and talanoa ses­sions plus the ad hoc meetings with Government to talk about the sugar industry and the issues faced by farm­ers have seen them gain more confidence.

Now it has translated to cane farming becoming a more attractive industry for the Fijian people, as they’ve seen the turnaround this industry has experienced, as well as the incentives the Government is offering new farm­ers. MARAIA VULA

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj