$2.1m Indian Help for Sugar Mechanisation
The Fiji Sugar Corporations (FSC) received a $2.1 million grant from Government following the signing of an Agreement which will see it invested in farm equipment.
The signing at the FSC head office in Lautoka will help in Government and FSC’s initiative to revive the sugar industry through mechanisation.
Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Sugar Industry, Permanent Secretary Yogesh Karan said the grant was made possible through the close co-operation between Fiji and India.
“We would like thank the government of India for the very precious grant that they have given to the government of Fiji and its contribution to the efforts in revitalising our sugar industry,” he said.
“We are very grateful that the system has come in time of the harvesting and it will be invested back into the industry in areas such as cane planting and harvesting that is crucial for increasing cane yields and growth in the sugarcane production.”
Rail system
Mr Karan added the government of India would be providing assistance for Fiji’s rail system to allow it for commercial and operation uses.
“We are expecting this to happen in a very short time and we are confident this will help improve and add to the level of productivity.” Mr Karan further added the Government has put in a lot of emphasis through consultation around the country and they have received a lot of positive feedbacks from farmers and other stakeholders.
FSC chief executive officer Graham Clark said this was crucial step towards mechanising the sugar industry and they are willing to embrace the changes in order help create efficiency in the sugar industry.
“This is a further example of continued support from the Government of Fiji and we embrace mechanisation, it is our inspiration that efficiencies in farming will materialise to benefit all.”