Sugarcane farmers support proposed FNPF savings scheme

Sugarcane farmers in Labasa say a structured savings scheme could help them better prepare for the future, as fluctuating incomes and rising living costs make consistent saving a challenge.

Sumeet Chand, a farmer from Qelewaqa, Labasa, suggested a system linked directly to cane payments.

“If a small amount is deducted when we receive our cane payments, it will help us build savings without feeling the pressure,” Chand said.

Another farmer, Avinesh Ram of Tabia, Labasa, shared similar sentiments.

“It is something that can help our families in the long run,” Ram said.

The comments come as the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) begins discussions with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) on establishing a dedicated savings scheme for sugarcane growers.

Under the proposal, contributions would be deducted directly from growers’ cane proceeds.

The SCGC currently promotes voluntary FNPF membership but believes the arrangement could be strengthened into a more structured, and potentially compulsory, savings platform to improve long-term financial security and social protection for growers.

The council said more than 10,000 active growers could benefit from the proposal, which would be supported by the industry’s structured cane payment cycle.

It said the scheme would use existing administrative systems and introduce a uniform and sustainable savings mechanism to encourage growers and their families to plan for the future.

Consultations will now be carried out with growers across various districts to gather feedback and suggestions.

The council indicated that amendments to the Master Award may be considered to ensure the scheme is practical, fair and aligned with growers’ interests.

As the statutory representative of cane growers, the SCGC said it remains committed to advocating for any necessary legislative backing and engaging key industry stakeholders as discussions continue.