Trip to boost industry
FOURTEEN farmers and four members of the Sugar Cane Growers Council will be in India for a two-week customised course.
The council confirmed this exclusive program is being conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program by the government of India.
The participants, primarily farmers and four officials of the council, will benefit from the fully-funded training opportunities facilitated by the government of India, said council CEO Vimal Datt in a statement.
He said the initiative not only covered the costs of the course but also included airfares from Fiji to India and back.
“The course, to be conducted by the prestigious National Sugar Institute in Kanpur, promises to be enriching and immersive,” he said.
“Participants will have the opportunity to visit facilities, farms, and sugar factories in and around Kanpur, gaining invaluable first-hand experience and insights into sugarcane farming practices.”
Akisi Vinaka, a sugarcane farmer from Macuata, said she was grateful to have the opportunity to go and learn and experience from the farmers in India.
“I’m hoping to bring back the skills and knowledge I learn, to benefit my home,” she said.
The statement confirmed visits to renowned institutions such as the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research in Lucknow and interactions with officials from the Indian Sugar Mills Association and Sugar Technologist Association of India will further augment their learning.
A statement from the Ministry of Sugar stated the initiative was poised to yield tangible benefits for the Sugar Cane Growers Council and farmers in Fiji.
“By equipping participants with advanced skills and knowledge, the program aims to catalyse the development of sugarcane farms, leading to enhanced production of sugar and ethanol,” a sugarcane farmer from Lautoka said.
“Such capacity-building endeavours are essential for bolstering agricultural sustainability and economic resilience in Fiji.”
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Charan Jeath Singh said India had a lot to offer.
“I hope the knowledge and experience gained from the sugar industry in India, will enhance our agriculture sector here in Fiji,” he said.
“The ITEC program instituted in 1964, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to international capacity building having trained about 200,000 officials from about 160 countries across various sectors,” the ministry statement stated.
“Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India has remained steadfast in its commitment to the ITEC program.
“Through innovative modalities such as online healthcare and governance-related training, India has continued to share its expertise and experiences with the world, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
“As India and Fiji deepen their friendship through initiatives like the ITEC program, the bonds of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations are strengthened.
“This collaborative endeavour exemplifies the spirit of partnership and solidarity that defines the relationship between India and Fiji, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for both countries.”