The Government‘s initiative to cover the sugarcane farmers’ premium for their bundled in- surance for the last six months of this year, is a positive move.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced this to them in Ba last week. The initiative showed his commitment to help the farmers.

Because of the challenges farmers were facing due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Sugarcane Growers Fund went to the Government  to help pay for insurance premium under the terms of the Bundled Insurance Scheme. The farmers were due to pay the premium three months ago. But they struggled.

Mr Bainimarama, as Sugar Minister, had no hesitation in assisting them with a grant of $300, 731.76. The scheme, started in 1977, was offered by Fiji Care insurance. It covers, death, fire, personal accidents and funeral costs.

It was developed by the cane growers and the Sugarcane Growers Fund, with some financial support provided by the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme, Sugarcane Growers Council and Fiji Sugar Corporation. 12,000 active farmers are covered.

Mr Bainimarama revealed that the “fund paid a total of more than $1.8 million in premiums from July 2017 through June 2020. As of last June, $982,000 was claimed by 251 growers.“

In the trip to the West Mr Bainimarama also launched Youth Farm Initiative.

The grants given to youth clubs are incentives for our young people to use idle land. The youths are full of energy which can be utilised cultivate land and grow crops. At a time when there is unemployment because of the slump in tourism, agriculture offers an exciting and logical option for the unemployed. The potential for growth and economic benefits in agriculture is huge.

With proper advice and sound technical and commercial support it would be a rewarding experience.

Mr Bainimarama has provided the catalyst to get our people working and rising above the economic challenges of COVID-19.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj