The government of Fiji is taking significant steps to support local communities and sugarcane farmers as the Diwali festival approaches, emphasizing a theme of unity and compassion. Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, announced that over 10,200 sugarcane farmers will receive a special pre-Diwali payment. This includes a government top-up of $9.47 per tonne, bringing the total earnings for the 2024 crop to $101.13 per tonne.
In a noteworthy first, the government has introduced pre-season billing for sugarcane farmers, which has already benefited over 57 farmers with a total of $101,725 distributed around Fiji. Singh highlighted that Diwali represents the diversity of Fiji, bringing families from various ethnic backgrounds together to celebrate love and community.
The government is also making strides in empowering communities through the Multi-Ethnic Affairs Community Grant Program, which has allocated $2 million this year for grassroots projects across various places of worship and community halls. Singh urged all Fijians to embrace the true spirit of Diwali by extending compassion towards those experiencing hardship, reinforcing the value of solidarity during this festive season.
This initiative mirrors earlier efforts by the government to uplift sugarcane farmers, which included a record payment of $105.08 per tonne earlier in the year—the highest ever in the sugar industry. The increased payments aim to address the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, particularly due to climate change.
The strategic decisions made by the government signal a promising future for Fiji’s sugarcane industry and show a commitment to nurturing its key stakeholders, fostering hope and joy as the nation prepares for the Diwali celebration. As the festival approaches, these initiatives provide not only financial relief but also an opportunity for the community to come together in a meaningful way.