𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, today handed over grant assistance to 36 sugarcane farmers in the Western Division, highlighting the coalition government’s strong and ongoing support for the sugar industry.

In his address during the handover in Lautoka today, Minister Singh said that a total of $172,273.33 in assistance was being distributed to farmers—28 new recipients and 8 lease renewals as part of the Ministry’s ongoing land support program.

Minister Singh highlighted the importance of the New Farmer/ Lease Premium Renewal Assistance program, as the Ministry is actively engaging with stakeholders to resolve lease-related issues and improve long-term security for the sugarcane farmers.

“Today, we continue the good work by assisting an additional 36 recipients. This initiative isn’t just about helping farmers—it’s also about empowering current growers to expand, invest confidently, and strengthen the long-term viability of our sugar industry,” the Minister said.

“We are here to support, invest, and stand with you. Our government is committed to ensuring that sugarcane farming remains a viable and rewarding livelihood for thousands of Fijian families.” Said Minister Singh

As the new fiscal year begins, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining and growing the sugar industry through a range of strategic support programs.

The Minister further outlined key support programs currently being rolled out to the farmers, which include:

• Fertilizer Subsidy: Farmers will continue to pay only $20 per bag, with the government subsidizing the remaining $38.65 to ease input costs.

• Weedicide Program: A 20% subsidy will be applied to Amine and Diuron weedicides to reduce the financial burden on farmers.

• Stabilization Fund: To ensure farmers receive a fair return, the government has already made a payment of $91.66 for the 2024 crop. The Ministry is exploring ways to ensure a favorable final wash-up payment to maintain confidence in the sector.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old Mr. Sami Safiz Ali from Namu Ba, one of the recipients of the New Farmer Grant, acknowledged the Ministry of Sugar for assisting him with the grant that will ease his burden to pay for his lease renewal.