The Ministry of Sugar has earmarked annual initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

In addition to the annual grant on fertilizers, government this year introduced a $6.3 million allocation for weedicides for the first time.

Permanent Secretary of Sugar Ministry Yogesh Karan says these subsidies will complement other initiatives already in place.

“There were 20 harvesters brought into the country from these co-operatives and we have now 9 applications that have come in because of its success but we do not have funds put it this year. Every year we have decided that we will put aside funds for different purposes, this year we have allocated $1 million for tractors and farming implements which we are asking farmers to apply.”

Karan says the Ministry is also looking into the possibility to recruit cane cutters from abroad with labour shortage one of the biggest issues for farmers.