SCGC extends $10,000 insurance cover to growers’ families

Cane growers’ families can now access $10,000 insurance cover for just $60 a year as the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) expands its micro bundled insurance scheme.

Marking 10 years since Tropical Cyclone Winston devastated the western cane belt, SCGC has scaled up the scheme to include spouses and immediate family members of registered growers.

The insurance product, provided by Fiji Care Insurance Limited and administered by SCGC, was first introduced in 2016 after growers were left without accessible insurance protection following the cyclone.

Initially piloted at an annual premium of $52 for $10,000 cover, the scheme has grown into a trusted protection platform for active registered growers over the past nine years.

Under the new voluntary arrangement, growers’ spouses can now access the same $10,000 cover for $60 per year.

SCGC chief executive officer Vimal Dutt said the expansion reflected the council’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of cane farming families.

“For just $60 per year, growers can now ensure their loved ones are protected with a $10,000 cover. This is affordable, practical, and customised for the realities of cane farming families,” Mr Dutt said.

He said the micro bundled insurance remained the only insurance cover exclusively available to cane growers through SCGC, describing it as affordable, easy to access, and requiring minimal administration.

SCGC acknowledged positive feedback from growers who had received benefits over the years, with many saying the assistance had been timely and meaningful during difficult periods.

As the representative body of cane growers, SCGC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection mechanisms within the grower-driven sugar industry.

The council also thanked Fiji Care Insurance Limited for its continued partnership over the past decade.

Cane growers are encouraged to visit their respective SCGC district offices for enquiries and registration.