The Sugarcane Growers Council has welcomed the decision of the government for seeking the renewal of land leases for 99 years.

Chief Executive, Sundresh Chetty said this is an excellent idea and should have happened long ago to instill confidence in the cane growing community.

According to Chetty by renewing the land leases for longer term, growers will be very happy to invest in their farms which will secure long term viability of the sugar industry in Fiji.

Chetty said the government has emphasized on the need for sugar industry to stay in the country, and has been giving assistance to the growers for cane development, fertilizer subsidy and upgrading of cane access roads.

Chetty said apart from growers the government is also providing financial assistance to the millers.

The growers council is working in partnership with other industry stakeholders including the ministry of Primary Industry is looking at diversifying their crops such as the planting of rice and other cash crops, which is part of the import substitution programme and to supplement the income of cane growers.


Story by: Ronal Deo