The Sugar Cane Growers Council says the range of subsidies for farmers has increased over the years and with the addition of a $6.3 million grant for pesticides, more farmers are expected to join the sector.
Council CEO Sundresh Chetty says in 2009, farmers had to pay more than $45 for a 50 kg bag of fertiliser, but today sugar cane farmers pay only $20 of this with government paying the remainder.
“This government has being providing the funds for maintaining and upgrading of cane access roads, this year there are funds for drainage works, there are funds for new entrants in the Sugar Industry, those growers who wants to join the Sugar Industry, to encourage the youth, youth of the day to join the industry so there is tremendous support.”
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sugar Yogesh Karan says there are a number of initiatives being implemented within the industry to ensure there is more cane planted so as to produce more sugar and make the industry profitable.
Karan says this is not without challenges, noting climate change as among one of their bigger obstacles.
