The previously inactive Sugarcane Farmers Awards will be relaunched next month as the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Awards.
The event is earmarked for March or April next year.
“In the late 80s and 90s, we used to have the Sugarcane Farmers Award, and we are quite honoured and privileged that the ministry has given the greenlight. Now, all the stakeholders have come together,” Sugarcane Growers Fund CEO Raj Sharma said.
“We are reintroducing the Sugarcane Farmers Award as the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Award. It will be launched officially by the Prime Minister on August 2 in Lautoka.”
Mr Sharma said the awards would feature various categories of farmers.
“They are looking at the young farmers, women farmers, senior farmers, highest producing farmer, and I’m quite honoured that we’re spearheading the Sugarcane Growers Fund but in collaboration with all the stakeholders.
“And then there is a criteria set by Sugar Research. The actual evaluation will happen in February or January next year. ”
Mr Sharma said the fund had approached banks and insurance companies for sponsorships.
“I acknowledge the Reserve Bank for coming on board with sponsorship. The Indian High Commission has also come on board.”
“So far the pledges have come to around $40,000 and we expect more. The more we have, the better we will be doing.”
