A sugarcane farmer in Lautoka says he is happy after learning that he would be assisted by the Government with the replantating of his sugarcane.

Elvis Chandra, of Vitogo, Lautoka, said that the initiative by Government to help farmers was a major step forward for the country.

Recent fires at his sugarcane field put him in a difficult situation.

Mr Chandra says he will be applying for the Cane Planting Grant (CPG) scheme.

He will re-plant cane on almost two acres of land.

“This (the grant) has been really helpful to me as it has helped me increase my production,” said Mr Chandra.

“In this way, I have been able to utilise all my land.”

Nand Kishore, President of Lautoka Cane Producers Association said that the scheme was a good opportunity for farmers to increase cane production.

He also said that farmers who may have previously neglected farming were now being provided with new opportunities to venture into it.

“Through this scheme, farmers who were neglected previously are provided with opportunities to resume their farming,” Mr Kishore said.

“This will not only help farmers but it will assist the entire country.”

Meanwhile in a statement, chief executive officer of Sugar Cane Growers Council Sudresh Chetty urged farmers to take advantage of the grant available.

“As the second window of sugarcane planting starts from September, all growers are encouraged to come forward and register their interest for planting under the cane planting grant scheme,” said Mr Chetty.

“This grant assistance is also available for “Nil Producers” who have not produced any cane in the recent years and are still registered growers and have land available for planting.”

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