His Excellency, the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has acknowledged the Sugar Cane Growers Fund for its continuous hardwork as he officially launched the Fund’s website and opened their newly renovated Board Room.
“I have been reliably informed that post-COVID has made the Sugar Cane Growers Fund realise that what the organisation needs is an inclusive and sustainable growth, such growth shall lead to a rapid paradigm shift for the Board and Management in their decision making and strategic planning.“
President Katonivere highlighted that taking on this new approach will help make a difference without compromising on the environment and society.
“Having an inclusive and sustainable growth approach, with an ongoing focus on its corporate social responsibilities, the SCGF should be able to gain much more success than it already has, with the strengthened confidence of all its stakeholders.“
The President stated that the Sugar industry is facing many challenges with the fluctuating prices of fuel, transportation, fertilizers, among other materials and these challenges are an opportunity to think of alternate farming.
“The bottom line is the optimum use of the land. It should not be limited to sugar cane farming only, in order to achieve supplementary income and food security through dalo, cassava, rice, vegetables and livestock farming.“
President Katonivere also highlighted that the Revised 2021 - 2022 Fijian Budget allocates $500,000 to support sugar farmers who wish to convert sugarcane leases to agriculture leases or plant other crops.