IN order to encourage new individuals to venture into sugarcane farming, the New Farmers Scheme and Land Lease Renewal Programme under the Sugar Ministry has commenced.
According to ministry acting permanent secretary Reshmi Kumari, under the program, a total of $1million has been allocated, and would be available to individuals who purchase land for the first time for cane farming. The grant is also for those farmers who will have their leases renewed between August 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025.
“Under this program, the ministry will pay 30 per cent of the cost or a maximum of $7500, whichever is lower,” she said.
According to a statement, the applications opened on November 1 this year and will close on April 30 next year.
The grant would be provided on a first-come first-serve basis.
A condition of the grant is that the land purchased should have a minimum of 10 acres of good sugar cane and arable land for cane planting.
