𝟐𝟏 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬/𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry continues strengthening its support for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, with 21 additional farmers receiving assistance today under the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant Program.

This program, which provides financial support for land acquisition and lease renewals, is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that secure land tenure does not hinder agricultural progress and productivity. It supports both new entrants into the sugar industry and existing farmers seeking to expand their operations.

While handing over the grant to the recipients in Lautoka today, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, said these initiatives reflect the government’s holistic approach to revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry, ensuring farmers are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

“This initiative is not just about supporting 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 the sugar industry,” he said

“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,” said Minister Singh

Minister concluded by encouraging continued collaboration across all stakeholders—farmers, landowners, industry partners, and service providers—to maximize the impact of these support mechanisms and secure a prosperous future for the sugar sector.

For the 2024–2025 financial year, the government has allocated $1 million to this program, enabling a total of 64 farmers to benefit so far. The initiative not only empowers new farmers but also provides critical support to established farmers who contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.