‘Growers encouraged to take full advantage of budget initiative’
The Sugar Cane Growers Council on behalf of growers welcome the budget announcement on the minimum guaranteed price of $85 per tonne for 2021 and 2021 season.
Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt said: “It is obvious that proportionate share of the sugar price will be awarded to the cane growers.
“This would be the fourth consecutive year of Government’s support on the cane price and towards the sustainability of the Sugar Industry.
“Furthermore, the continuity of subsidies on the farm input such as fertiliser and weedicides is a huge relief to the farmers, including the cane planting grant and cane access road maintenance funding.
“The new farmer assistance facility shall be an encouragement to the new entrants willing to pursue sugar cane farming business,
especially an opportunity to the labourers who intend to graduate as cane farmers.
$1 million allocation
“The $1.0 M allocation for alternative Livelihood programme will allow small and marginal growers to venture into productive agricultural initiatives.
“The proposed amendment of Land Act, would provide for or require no written consent from institutions for mortgages and other utility purposes definitely bring efficiency in loan disbursements and also saving of consent fees.”
Mr Dutt noted that a significant number of growers seek loan each year to cater for operational expenses.
Interest subsidy
“The increased interest subsidy on agricultural loans with Fiji Developmet Bank will be of ease on the borrowing costs.
“Growers will be encouraged to take full advantage of the initiatives provided in the budget and on the contrary to increase their production and decisively maintain the aggregated cost of production.
“Also take full course of favourable weather for harvesting, maintain your COVID-19 protocols and get yourself vaccinated you have not.”