Farmers have received more than $500,000 under the Sugar Cane Growers Council’s micro insurance scheme.

Council CEO Vimal Dutt explaining how the scheme worked, said: “Growers are protected under this scheme, offering total cover of $10,000 for $52 annual premium.

“The product is offered by Fiji Care Insurance and administered by the council.

“The scheme has been there for the growers since 2017 and will continue this year.

“Council comprehends the material benefit of this scheme, financial relief for our cane growers and their family in case of emergencies such as death of grower, house fire and permanent disability.”

Mr Dutt said the youngest to benefit from the scheme was 38 while the oldest was 95.

“While the council sympathises with grieving families losing loved ones, micro insurance plays a worthy role in cane farming community.”

The council said 239 farmers received more than $548,500 last year.

Meanwhile, a total of $132,000 was paid to 132 sugarcane farming families who lost loved ones last year, where 100 growers were paid $400,000 to cover funeral costs.

He said the scheme had greatly helped eligible growers since its introduction in 2017.