The Ministry of Sugar is looking to increase its export earnings.

Director Sugar Sanjay Kumar says currently, export earnings from sugar stands at around $200million annually.

Speaking to new cane farmers in Labasa this week, Kumar says government is doing its part in helping them with various subsidies and grants and the onus is on farmers to do their part.

“We want the export to increase and that export will come from you people. If you increase the cane production, our sugar cane production will increase and so will our export.”

Through government’s assistance, farmers are aided in land preparation, fertilizer cost, farming implements, mechanical harvesters and through grants for land acquisition.

As well, government has set a guaranteed sugar price of $85 per tonne over a three year period.

Kumar says this should be a good sign for farmers and they should take advantage of the opportunity.