The upcoming election for the Sugar Cane Grower Council (SCGC) is set to take place this year, marking an important moment in Fiji’s agricultural history after a 20-year hiatus since 2004. According to SCGC CEO Vimal Dutt, approximately 10,500 registered cane growers will have the opportunity to elect their representatives at various levels, including the Board of Directors. This democratic process aims to enhance the empowerment of growers within the sugar industry.
Dutt emphasized the critical need to restore grower representation on stakeholder boards in essential institutions, a practice that had been discontinued in the past. The SCGC is already in the process of preparing for the elections and plans to provide vital information to cane growers about candidate nominations, voting principles, and timelines soon.
This election is viewed as a potential catalyst for revitalizing the sugar industry, with stakeholders advocating for greater farmer engagement and broader consultations. Previous calls for an elected growers’ council by influential figures such as Mahendra Chaudhry have highlighted the necessity for farmers to have a stake in decisions impacting their livelihoods.
With the promise of improved representation, this election is seen as an opportunity to strengthen governance within the sugar sector, which has faced a myriad of challenges. Farmers remain optimistic that these changes will lead to a more resilient agricultural framework, providing them with a more powerful voice and enabling positive advancements in the industry going forward.
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