Canegrowers who seek to convert their sugarcane leases to agricultural leases to plant other crops or for residential purposes will get the necessary assistance from the Government.
Speaking on the ministry’s plans to revitalise the sugar industry in Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Industry Voreqe Bainimarama said they would work with landowners to assist farmers in obtaining new leases.
“As announced in the revised budget of 2021-2022, the Government has allocated $500,000 to support canegrowers who seek to convert their sugarcane leases to agricultural leases to plant other crops or for residential purposes,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“We will of course, work with landowners, iTLTB and interested farmers to help them obtain new leases. We expect that primarily small scale growers would wish to diversify into non-sugar crops as they might find it more feasible and profitable to do so.
“At the very least they deserve that option.”
Mr Bainimarama said the Government would continue to boost cane production and ensure that its target of two million tonnes was achieved this year.
