Government is assisting 47 new canegrowers by providing about $300,000 in grants to kickstart their farms.
Sugar Industry Ministry permanent secretary Yogesh Karan handed out grants to 39 new growers in the Western Division yesterday, with a further eight in Labasa to receive theirs next week.
He said the grants would meet the cost of lease acquisition and assist in establishing farms by providing free fertilisers, free weedicides and funds for land preparation and planting of cane for a maximum of five acres.
“The total cost for government to assist these additional 47 new growers is $299,655,” Mr Karan said.
“It is anticipated that these farmers will produce an additional 9400 tonnes of cane by 2021.
“Out of these additional 47 applications, 35 are males, three are female farmers while nine are joint farmers (husband and wife).”
Mr Karan said a total of 271 growers had been assisted under the New Farmers Assistance Scheme.
He added 19 of the 47 growers were iTaukei farmers.
