The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, yesterday (20/08/25) handed over the Pre-Season Burnt Cane Rehabilitation Grant to five sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki.
Minister Singh acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers whose crops were destroyed by pre-season cane burning. He highlighted that while the grant may appear modest, it carries a strong message that the Government stands in solidarity with affected farmers.
“I know this has been a very difficult time for you, as burnt cane meant the loss of income for this year. We want to help you re-establish your lost crop and encourage your continued participation in sugarcane farming,” he said.
Minister Singh also highlighted the wider impact of cane burning, noting that it is not just an individual problem but one that threatens the entire sugar industry.
“The issue of burnt cane is not only a challenge for individual farmers but for the entire sugar industry. The increasing amount of burning, especially in the Rakiraki area, has been damaging to the quality of sugar that we produce,” he said.
“As a result, the Fiji Sugar Corporation is finding it difficult to secure reliable buyers. If this continues, we risk reduced prices for our sugar on the global market, which means less income for every farmer. We must all take responsibility and take critical action to put a stop to this practice,” he added.
The Minister assured farmers that despite these challenges, the Ministry remains committed to building resilience and growth in the sugar industry. For the current financial year, 12 programmes are being rolled out to support farmers and boost sugarcane production, in which one key initiative is the Sugarcane Development and Farmers Assistance Program, commonly known as the Cane Planting Grant (CPG).
“We have revised the criteria to make this program more vibrant and impactful. This year, our focus is on targeting productive farmers who can generate real returns from the investment.” Minister Singh explained.