Sugarcane farmers are calling for representation through an elected Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC), according to Mahendra Chaudhry, general secretary of the National Farmers Union. He emphasized that establishing this council could help retain farmers in the industry rather than prompting them to leave sugarcane farming.
Chaudhry acknowledged the significant challenges facing the industry and stressed that success hinges on broader consultation and farmer engagement in decision-making processes. Currently, farmers lack a voice since the growers council was disbanded by the Bainimarama administration in 2010. He reiterated his appeal to the sugar minister to reinstate the elected growers council to ensure that farmers have a fair representation, as many are leaving the industry feeling unheard and unwanted.
Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, confirmed that elections for the SCGC are planned. He mentioned that they are currently awaiting necessary amendments to the Sugar Act from the Solicitor-General’s Office, and once these are completed, elections will proceed.
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