The cane planting grants issued to small scale farmers in 2023 to improve cane production has been a failure, says Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) chief executive officer Bhan Singh.
He made the comment last week before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs that was reviewing FSC’s 2020-2023 annual report.
The Government had allocated $1500- $1875 per hectare as a grant to farmers.
Mr Singh was asked by committee member Sashi Kiran if there were plans to assist the small-scale farmers.
“That’s a difficult question, but I can say that last season’s funding grants have been available to the industry,” Mr Singh said.
“But we have seen no real outputs on it. We want to change that strategy in the next year with the cane planting grant to go to productive growers.
“So, really, what needs to be done to unproductive growers, it’s a difficult thing and it needs to be discussed at the industry level and then some strategies have to be put in place.”
Mr Singh said these unproductive growers had other sources of income.
“They’re not fully dependent on cane. Most growers keep planting cane to maintain their lease. So, there are various factors related to that. And it’s probably not an easy answer. I’m sorry.”
