IDLE land around the country are being considered for increased cane farming activities as Government strives for a target of three million tonnes of sugar by 2023.
The Ministry of Sugar director policy, planning and research, Reshma Kumari said turning idle land into income sources for canefarmers was part of the National Sugar Sector Policy. She told farmers in Seaqaqa that the target was to be achieved by 2023.
“Part of the plan is to also bring idle land under sugarcane planting and the strategy continues in supporting new farmers and pay their premium through assistance to the TLTB,” she said.
“This year we have $0.5 million to assist new farmers so new applicants can be assisted through TLTB when they apply for farms.
“Most new farmers who have applied have been assisted as long as they met the criteria and conditions.
“The new applicants need to submit their offer letters from TLTB and they can apply through the Sugar Cane Growers Council office for those in Labasa.
“We need to work together as an industry to achieve our goals set for 2023.”
