The Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) has expressed serious concerns over a potential increase in electricity tariffs, which they argue will add extra hardship to cane growers already grappling with operational challenges. In their recent statement, the SCGC pointed out that numerous growers faced difficulties in achieving sustainable production targets during the 2025 harvesting season, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions and ongoing uncertainties within the sector.
The Council highlighted that these significant challenges have adversely affected the income of growers and their ability to cover necessary operational expenses. The ongoing rise in business costs within the agricultural domain is reportedly making farming operations increasingly vulnerable to financial difficulties.
In response to these pressing issues, the SCGC is advocating for the creation of a relief mechanism and is urging authorities to reconsider the planned increase in electricity tariffs. They emphasize the need for stakeholders to recognize the economic realities that cane growers currently face, warning that any additional cost burdens could jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.
This cautious stance by the SCGC reflects a broader sentiment in the agricultural community, where rising operational expenses pose threats to production capabilities and overall industry health. Their appeal serves as a rallying point, seeking to ensure that the needs and interests of cane growers are safeguarded in the face of increasing economic pressures, ultimately aiming for a more stable future for the sugar sector.