Flooding in Fiji’s Western Division has severely impacted cane fields, disrupted transport routes, and heightened the vulnerability of local farming communities, according to Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry Minister Tomasi Tunabuna. Addressing these issues at the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) office in Lautoka, he emphasized the need for a more climate-resilient sugar industry to better protect and support farmers amid increasing climate-related events.
To tackle these challenges, the Government, in partnership with the SCGF, has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at providing tangible relief to farmers. The initiatives include interest rate reductions on productive loan accounts, which will decrease from 4.5% to 3.95% starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, growers participating in green initiatives with at least 75% green cane harvest will benefit from a further reduced rate of 3.5%.
A new product, the Commercial Specialized Loans, has been introduced to assist growers with supplemental income in managing their loan repayments effectively. Another innovative scheme, the SCGF-FNPF Voluntary Savings Scheme, aims to bridge the gap between farming and formal social security, allowing growers to contribute directly from their cane proceeds to their FNPF accounts. This initiative is designed to help farmers build a pension and medical safety net for the future.
To address immediate cash flow needs, particularly for farmers recovering from recent flood damage, the SCGF has enhanced their revolving credit facilities. This flexible funding allows growers to cover urgent expenses like farm maintenance and labor costs without needing a new loan application for every transaction.
Lastly, the SCGF has partnered with TISA Insurance to introduce a pioneering Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) program. This policy provides significant peace of mind, ensuring that in the event of a grower’s death or permanent disability, their outstanding SCGF loan balance, up to $50,000, will be settled, shielding families from debt burdens. Remarkably, the SCGF will fully cover the initial premiums for growers from 2025 to 2027.
These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to supporting the sugar industry, promoting resilience and sustainability among farmers, and addressing the pressing challenges posed by environmental disruptions.
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