Santo villagers support sugarcane revival for Molasses Industry

May 27, 2025 10:00 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Terence Malapa.

A growing effort to revive traditional farming and boost local economies took root last week in Santo Rural, where interested villagers joined an awareness programme focused on cultivating sugarcane for molasses production.

The initiative, led by Jenny Tasong, founder of Small Town Agri Product, brought together farmers from villages including Peleru, Najingo, Tanavoli, Sarete, Narango, Hog Harbour, and others. The community-led programme aimed to build self-sufficiency and encourage economic activity grounded in local practices.

“This initiative focuses on using sugarcane for molasses production — an endeavour that supports self-reliance, respects cultural knowledge, and strengthens local economies,” Ms Tasong said.

Through a series of practical sessions, the programme guided farmers on sugarcane cultivation, from soil assessment and natural fertilisation to irrigation and traditional planting techniques. A hands-on workshop helped both new and experienced growers improve their methods and yields.

The sessions also looked at the business potential of sugarcane. Trainers spoke about turning small-scale gardening into income-generating ventures, supporting the formation of local cooperatives, and finding market opportunities — particularly for molasses, a versatile and locally valued product.

In one part of the programme, elders and cultural leaders shared stories about sugarcane’s role in Vanuatu’s ceremonies, daily life, and past trade. This reflective session encouraged pride in farming traditions and reinforced the importance of caring for the land.

Open forums gave community members space to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another in a collaborative setting.

The programme aligns with national efforts to support agriculture. Last month, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry Samson Samsen announced plans to establish a molasses industry in Luganville, following the presentation of a project to extract both molasses and sugar from sugarcane. The Department of Industry has confirmed its support.

With community drive and government backing, the revival of sugarcane in Santo points to a positive path for local farming and rural livelihoods in Vanuatu.