SUGAR cane growers will be formally recognised each season during the Prime Minister’s Sugar Cane Farmers Awards.
The awards program strives to honour growers who have been in the industry for more than two decades, while also bringing recognition to new and emerging farmers.
While launching the awards in Lautoka this week, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged the long-standing commitment of about 10,200 active farmers across the country.
“This award brings back a proud tradition. I was informed that in the 1980s and 1990s, such sugar industry awards, often sponsored by commercial banks, were a highlight of Fiji’s agricultural calendar,” he said.
“Now, just as with the Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Award, this initiative aims to instil national recognition, pride, and excellence across our cane farming communities.
“I am pleased that this has been brought back.
“I now extend an invitation to our partners and key stakeholders, especially our financial institutions, to once again partner with us in recognising and rewarding the people who drive this vital industry.”
Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Vimlesh Dutt said the awards were also a positive avenue for retaining farms.
“It shows we recognise and appreciate our growers who have stuck around for many years, and I believe it is also a good incentive to attract new farmers who want to come into the industry,” said Mr Dutt.
“We are very pleased to have these awards revived and we look forward to supporting the organisers of the event.”
Entries for the 2025 awards will open on October 20 and close on January 31, 2026.
The award ceremony is scheduled for May 2026.
