THE Sugar Ministry does not deny that land leases continue to be a major challenge for cane growers.
Responding to comments by Opposition MP Viam Pillay about the concerns of farmers over their expiring land leases, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh reaffirmed the Government’s proactive approach to this ongoing issue.
“Lease insecurity is a real issue, we do not deny it,” said Mr Singh.
“That is why we have allocated $978,200 in this budget for lease premium assistance. This may not cover all affected farmers, but it is a targeted and meaningful support mechanism.
“More importantly, we are actively engaging with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and landowners to pursue medium to long-term solutions.”
Mr Singh said there was a need for realistic, fiscally responsible policies.
“What farmers need is price stability and timely payments, not artificially inflated prices that cannot be sustained.
“The so-called guaranteed price under the previous administration left the industry with unpaid debts and deferred investments.
“We are committed to fair, sustainable pricing supported by real revenue and market mechanisms.”
However, Mr Singh refuted a claim by Mr Pillay that growers and stakeholders were not being included in decision-making processes.
“This Government has reactivated stakeholder forums and institutional coordination platforms.
“Growers, millers, researchers, lorry drivers —they all have a voice under this administration.
“We are not looking through windows, we are sitting at the same table.”
Mr Singh said the Government was rebuilding the industry with investment, technology and stakeholder ownership.
According to the 2025-2026 Budget Estimates, the Ministry of Sugar will continue with its subsidy programs to assist farmers. Notable allocations include the weedicide subsidy by FSC which received $978,200; fertiliser subsidy – $19,565,200; the Sugar Stabilisation Fund under FSC received $9,782,600; FSC Working Capital Support was given $17,853,200 and the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance received $978,200 while the cane cartage subsidy between Penang and Rarawai mills by FSC was allocated a total of $4,852,500.
