Labour of love pays off for Labasa widow
Sarita Devi makes history with first sugarcane loan insurance payout from Sugar Cane Growers Fund.
Wednesday 01 October 2025 | 04:30
Sugar Cane Growers Fund brand ambassador Mereseini Marica (left) hands over mortgage protection insurance to Sarita Devi, who is accompanied by family members and farmers in Nabekavu, Labasa, on October 1, 2025.
Photo: Shratika Naidu
A female farmer is the country’s first recipient of a sugarcane growers mortgage protection insurance scheme.
Sarita Devi of Labasa received life cover for a loan from Sugar Cane Growers Fund today.
The 64-year old widow and mother of six, worked alongside her husband on the 28-acre farm until his recent death.
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Up to that point, the couple toiled the land for 46 years.
“Last year, we worked with the sugarcane labourers, and delivered 301 tonnes of sugarcane to Labasa mill,” she said.
The insurance cover is the result of a collaboration between Sugar Cane Growers Fund, Capital Insurance Limited, Fiji Sugar Corporation and Sugar Cane Growers Council.
Sugar Cane Growers Fund chief executive officer Raj Sharma said the mortgage protection insurance ensured a pay out in proportion to outstanding loan balance. The cover is paid in case of death or total permanent disability, protecting their family from debt burden.
“For Ms Devi and the late Mr Chand, the insurance coverage will help to reduce the outstanding loan balance by $14,296.16,” Mr Sharma said.
Sugar Cane Growers Fund Labasa branch relationship officer Ranita Shivanji said the insurance protection brought peace of mind for growers, knowing that their loved ones would not be burdened with mortgage debt in the event of their passing.
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