The Sugarcane Growers Fund Board has been encouraged to focus on strategic planning, effective monitoring, and performance-driven accountability to enhance support for sugarcane farmers in Fiji. Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, expressed these priorities during a board meeting held in Lautoka last week.
During the meeting, Singh praised the SCGF’s approach centered around growers, which emphasizes sustainable returns, accessible loan options, and mortgage protection insurance designed for farmers. He acknowledged the Fund’s modern strategic foundations, indicating a commitment to adapting to industry needs.
In a significant development, Singh announced an allocation of $35 million in loan funding over the coming three years, aimed at invigorating the sugarcane sector amid anticipated growth as production levels increase. He underscored the necessity of a unified vision for the industry, urging for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to promote advancement and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
This initiative reflects a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, signaling a concerted effort to strengthen the industry and foster resilience in an evolving agricultural landscape.