SCGF launches savings, insurance scheme for sugarcane growers

The Sugar Cane Growers Fund’s Special Social Security Savings Scheme and Insurance (SCGF 5SI) is designed to secure the future of farmers and strengthen the sugar industry, says SCGF chairman Marika Sedre Luveniyali.

Speaking during the launch at the Fiji Sugar Corporation Training Centre in Lautoka last Friday, Mr Luveniyali said the initiative marked a major step forward for the industry.

“We are addressing these challenges head-on. This initiative is not just a financial product; it is a transformative instrument designed to secure the future of our farmers and strengthen the sugar industry,” he said.

“Due to limitations in our SCGF Act, the review of the Act is now with the Ministry.”

Mr Luveniyali also highlighted several upcoming projects, including a special revolving loan facility linked to mobile money wallets MyCash and M-PAiSA, which is expected to roll out in September 2026.

He said the initiative would be the first of its kind in Fiji and was funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

Mr Luveniyali also announced plans for an online document management system and an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, expected to launch by September 2026 and funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Other planned initiatives include exploring medical insurance coverage options for growers and expanding the use of artificial intelligence to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Mr Luveniyali thanked the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, along with the European Union and the governments of Australia and New Zealand, for their support.

He also acknowledged vendors DATEC and Speridian, the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), and sugarcane growers.

“Our vendors — DATEC and Speridian — for their innovation, FNPF for the collaboration and, most importantly, our growers — the backbone of this industry,” he said.

“Together, we are not only addressing today’s financial challenges but building a foundation for generations to come.”