The Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) has put forth several recommendations regarding the Sugar Industry (Amendment) Bill 2024 during a recent presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights. Key among these proposals is the terminology change from “directors” to “board members” in the context of the Act, aligning with terminology used in the Companies Act 2015.
SCGF’s boss, Raj Sharma, expressed support for the upcoming elections of the growers’ council, highlighting the importance of including the farmers’ voice in governance. He raised important concerns regarding the representation of non-productive sugarcane growers, noting that while over 16,000 farmers are registered with the Sugar Industry Tribunal, only about 10,200 were productive the previous year. This raises questions about the voice given to growers who may not be actively contributing to the industry.
In addition to electoral matters, Sharma stressed the importance of candidates having clean records, free from any criminal wrongdoing or bankruptcy issues. He pointed out that prior board members had defaulted on loan agreements with SCGF, underscoring the need for good governance and accountability in the electoral process.
The discussion surrounding the power of attorney also surfaced in the presentation, where Sharma articulated the necessity for these documents to be valid and categorized correctly to prevent misuse, urging caution over how delegates may represent growers in various capacities.
These discussions echo previous dialogues regarding the criteria for candidates seeking election to the Sugar Cane Growers Council, emphasizing the urgency to clarify eligibility and ensure representation is fair and just. This amendment aims to enhance governance in the industry, fostering a more democratic environment for decision-making that could significantly benefit the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers.
Overall, the initiative represents a proactive approach to improving representation, transparency, and accountability in the Sugar Cane Growers Council, reflecting a collective effort to empower the farming community in navigating the complexities of the sugar industry. The engagement of stakeholders and the integration of their feedback into the legislative process could lead to a revitalization of the agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers have a voice in shaping their future.
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