The Sugar Cane Grower Council (SCGC) election is scheduled to occur this year, marking a significant milestone after a lapse of 20 years from the last election in 2004, according to SCGC CEO Vimal Dutt. He noted that Fiji has approximately 10,500 active registered cane growers who will now have the opportunity to elect their representatives at various levels, up to the Board of Directors, enhancing their empowerment within the industry.
Dutt underscored the importance of restoring grower representation on stakeholder boards in key institutions, which had been abolished in the past. Preparations for the upcoming elections are already underway, with the SCGC aiming to share essential information regarding the nomination of candidates, voting principles, and election timelines with cane growers shortly.
Building on prior discussions surrounding the elections, stakeholders highlight the potential of this initiative to revitalize the sugar industry, emphasizing a renewed focus on broader consultation and farmer engagement. Previous appeals for an elected growers council by representatives such as Mahendra Chaudhry have underscored the need for farmers to feel represented and engaged in decision-making processes that directly affect their livelihoods.
This election holds promise not just for enhanced representation but also for strengthening the governance of the sugar sector, which has faced numerous challenges. Farmers are hopeful that these changes will provide them with a stronger voice and enable positive transformations within the industry, ultimately leading to a more resilient agricultural sector moving forward.
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