The Sugarcane Growers Fund Board (SCGF) is being urged to prioritize strategic planning, effective monitoring, and a commitment to performance-driven accountability to better support sugarcane farmers in Fiji. Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, shared these insights during a board meeting in Lautoka last week.
Singh commended the SCGF for its grower-centered approach, which aims to deliver sustainable returns, offer accessible loan options, and provide mortgage protection insurance for farmers. He highlighted the Fund’s modern strategic frameworks, emphasizing its readiness to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.
In a notable announcement, Singh revealed a substantial allocation of $35 million in loan funding over the next three years, aimed at revitalizing the sugarcane sector in light of expected growth as production levels rise. He stressed the importance of fostering a unified vision within the industry, calling for increased collaboration among stakeholders to drive progress and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
This initiative suggests a promising outlook for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers. It reflects a collective effort to enhance the industry’s resilience and adapt to the changing agricultural landscape while prioritizing the welfare of those who depend on sugarcane cultivation.