21 Farmers Get Lease Aid, Praise Govt

Father of five, Avenai Naqei of Malolo Sector in Nadi, says there is a need for continued commitment to supporting sugarcane farmers through Government initiatives.

Mr Naqei was among 21 additional farmers who received assistance under the NFA/Lease Premium Renewal Assistance Programme yesterday. The certificates were handed over by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, at the Sugar House in Lautoka.

He welcomed the initiative, saying it is not only about helping new farmers but also about securing land tenure for existing farmers, allowing them to expand their operations and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry.

The programme aims to provide financial relief and security to farmers, ensuring the continued growth of the sector, which remains a key part of the country’s agricultural landscape.

“Secure land access is the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural sector, and our government remains committed to ensuring every sugarcane farmer has the support needed to succeed,” he said.

“Through ongoing consultation with stakeholders and strategic policy measures, I hope they are actively addressing land lease challenges to provide farmers with greater security and stability.”

Daya Chand of Moto, Ba, said the positive impact of these initiatives in the coming months and years will be significant.

“As farmers, we are not merely investing in land; we are investing in livelihoods, food security, and the future of our nation,” Mr Chand said.

“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders, FSC, service providers, and industry leaders to work collaboratively to maximise the benefits of these opportunities. Together, through partnership, we can strengthen the sugar industry, enhance productivity, and build a more prosperous future for all involved.”

Mr Singh saidthe New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant Programme initiative underscores the Government’s dedication to ensuring that land tenure is not a barrier to agricultural progress.

“We need to unite to build a resilient, competitive, and thriving sugar industry, one that sustains farmers and contributes to the economic strength of our nation,” he said.

He said that recognising the importance of this programme, the Government has once again allocated $1 million for the 2024-2025 financial year, ensuring that more farmers benefit from this opportunity.

“A total of 64 farmers have benefited from this fiscal year’s grant program. Beyond land access, our support for farmers extends to a range of initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring the viability of the sugar industry,” he said.

Some of these include:

• The Farmers Incentive Programme, where farmers who increase their production receive a $5 per tonne incentive.
• The Manual Labour Subsidy Program, providing $3 per tonne to assist farmers with harvesting costs.
• The Sugarcane Development and Farmers Assistance Programme, which offers planting grants to encourage replanting and expansion.

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