The Sugar Cane Growers Council has welcomed the recent reinstatement of election provisions in the Sugar Industry Act, allowing cane growers to elect their representatives for the first time in two decades. This significant change comes after the Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 2024 was endorsed by Parliament.
Council CEO Vimal Dutt noted that the reinstatement grants growers the opportunity to elect representatives across different levels, including the district and sector levels, as well as the board of directors. The last election was conducted in 2004, and the process faced suspensions in 2009 and a complete repeal in 2015, impacting growers’ representation in critical stakeholder boards.
Mr. Dutt expressed gratitude to the government for its support in empowering growers and restoring their voice. He mentioned that there are approximately 10,500 active registered growers who will participate in the upcoming elections, with the council management optimistic that the voting process will take place this year. Awareness regarding candidate nominations, voting principles, and the election timeline will be communicated to the growers in the coming weeks.
This legislative shift not only revitalizes democratic representation within the sugar industry but also emphasizes the importance of grower participation in addressing challenges they face. Historical advocacy for better representation by figures such as Mahendra Chaudhry underscores the collective aspiration for a robust and representative governance structure.
The anticipation surrounding the elections has created a sense of hope among growers, indicating a potential for improved engagement within the sector. As stakeholders prepare for this transformative moment in Fiji’s agricultural landscape, the reinstated electoral process can lead to meaningful changes and a strengthened sugar industry, fostering a more resilient agricultural framework for the future.
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