Sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to benefit from a new initiative that offers discounted fuel through a loyalty card program. This program is part of a collaboration between Pacific Energy and the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF), with the official agreement signed on Saturday in Nukuloa, Ba. The loyalty program, initially launched in December last year, has already seen the registration of 2,222 growers. It aims to provide a range of benefits beyond just fuel discounts, as it includes reductions on services from private hospitals, pharmacies, retailers, hardware stores, and machinery dealers.
Charan Jeath Singh, the Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Minister, highlighted the importance of supporting sugarcane farmers, especially following incidents like the Rarawai mill fire. The SCGF has responded by waiving loan application and documentation fees for affected growers in the western division for loans related to cane harvesting expenses. This demonstrates the timely assistance offered to farmers in need.
Nemani Kobiti, Pacific Energy Sales Manager, noted that the partnership originated from discussions initiated after opening a service station in Nukuloa. The goal is to provide tangible support to the farming community by allowing farmers—or their immediate family members—to save on fuel expenses by using the loyalty card, which offers a five cents per liter discount.
The collaboration with Pacific Energy reflects SCGF’s ongoing efforts to form partnerships that enhance the economic resilience of sugarcane farmers. Past collaborations have successfully expanded the benefits accessible through the loyalty program. For instance, SCGF has partnered with businesses such as SSUP Farm Machinery, Star Bright Energy, and others to offer discounts ranging from 7% to 10% on various products and services critical to sugarcane farming operations. The loyalty program now boasts partnerships with over 20 businesses providing similar benefits.
Overall, this initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at supporting and strengthening the agricultural community in Fiji. This innovative program reflects a concerted effort to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sugarcane farming industry, which is crucial for Fiji’s economy. By continuing to establish such beneficial alliances, SCGF is not only enhancing the livelihoods of individual farmers but also aiming for a more resilient agricultural environment in Fiji, signaling bright prospects for future growth and sustainability in the sector.