Fiji’s sugarcane farmers are poised to benefit significantly from a new initiative that offers discounted fuel through a loyalty card program. This program emerges from a collaboration between Pacific Energy and the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF), with the official agreement inked recently in Nukuloa, Ba. The loyalty program, which began in December of the previous year, has already registered 2,222 growers and provides an array of benefits beyond fuel discounts, including reductions on services from private hospitals, pharmacies, retailers, hardware stores, and machinery dealers.
Charan Jeath Singh, Minister of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, emphasized the crucial nature of this support, particularly in light of challenges faced such as the Rarawai mill fire. In response, the SCGF has waived loan application and documentation fees for the affected growers in the western division concerning loans for cane harvesting expenses, illustrating timely and practical support for farmers in distress.
Nemani Kobiti, Pacific Energy Sales Manager, revealed that the partnership was borne from discussions following the opening of a service station in Nukuloa. The initiative aims to deliver tangible support to the farming community by offering a five-cent per liter fuel discount to farmers and their immediate family members using the loyalty card.
This collaboration underscores SCGF’s ongoing efforts to establish partnerships that bolster the economic resilience of sugarcane farmers. Previous collaborations have extended the program’s benefits, partnering with businesses like SSUP Farm Machinery and Star Bright Energy to offer discounts between 7% and 10% on essential farming products and services. Presently, the loyalty program partners with over 20 businesses, providing similar advantages to farmers.
This initiative is a part of a larger strategy to support and enhance Fiji’s agricultural sector. Through innovative programs like this, SCGF is working to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sugarcane farming industry, which plays a pivotal role in Fiji’s economy. By continuing to form such beneficial alliances, SCGF is fostering improved livelihoods for individual farmers and aiming for a more resilient agricultural landscape in Fiji. This signals optimistic prospects for future growth and sustainability in the sector.