‘Alternative livelihood of farmers is the most important point’
The National Budget endorsed the continued support of the sugar industry, the Sugar Cane Growers Fund said.
The fund said it appreciated the support during the difficult time that followed the coronavirus pandemic.
The guarantee price of $85 for the 2021 season and also for this season has gone well with farmers and lenders alike, chief executive officer, Raj Sharma said.
The fund was pleased that the budget for sugarcane farmers would ease their commitment, he said.
“We also note other subsidies for fertiliser, cane access roads, sugarcane development assistance, weedicide subsidy and new farmer assistance being provided,” Mr Sharma said.
Most important point
The most important point raised in the budget was the outlook of the sugar industry that nobody is talking about - alternative livelihood of the farmers as the world market price of sugar was not favourable, he said.
“It is good to note that $1 million has been considered for this sort of project,” Mr Sharma said.
“A roadmap for the industry needs to be done together with welfare of the farmers and all those that depend.
“There are various opportunities in agricultural sectors for anyone to venture into, when other sectors are not doing good.
“We invite all those investors, those in MSMEs and even our sugar cane farmers to see other supportive crops that have a market in Fiji as import substitute such as rice, livestock and other commodities that could be exported.”
He also welcomed the allocation of $6.9 million for the Committee for Better Utilisation of Land budget and the Government’s job support program.
He said SCGF took advantage of employing six staff under this program and currently have three of them.
He also acknowledged support for the COVID-19 related funding in the budget.