THE Sugarcane Growers Fund is taking a bold step forward for the future of farmers around the country.
Its chairman Marika Luveniyali made this comment while speaking at the launch of the SCGF — Special Social Security Savings Scheme & Insurance (5SI) in Lautoka last Friday.
“With the launch of SCGF-Special Social Security Savings Scheme & Insurance, (SCGF 5SI) we are addressing these challenges head-on,” he said.
“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. Due to limitation in our SCGF Act, the review of the Act is now with the ministry.”
Other projects in the pipeline are:
-A special revolving loan facility on the mobile money wallets (MyCash and M-Paisa) — first of its kind in Fiji — expected to roll out in September 2026. Both initiatives are funded again by the United Nations Capital Development Fund;
-An online document management system and AI-powered chatbot, expected by September 2026 and funded by the Asian Development Bank;
-Exploration of medical insurance coverage options for growers; and
-Greater use of AI to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
He commended the partnership of those involved in the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNCDF, the European Union and the Australian and New Zealand governments.
“Our vendors – DATEC and Speridian for their innovation, FNPF for the collaboration and most importantly, our growers — the backbone of this industry.
“Together, we are not only addressing today’s financial challenges, but building a foundation for generations to come.
“Let us move forward with confidence, unity and purpose. The Sugar Cane Growers Fund stands ready to deliver financial innovation that empowers our farmers, strengthens our communities and secures our nation’s future.”
Savings scheme to empower sugarcane farmers
A VOLUNTARY savings scheme designed to protect and empower sugarcane farmers has been launched by the Sugarcane Growers Fund.
The Special Social Security Savings Scheme with Insurance (5Si) is a newly formed partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund.
With automated deductions from the proceeds of sugarcane sales, farmers can now build their retirement nests, gain compound interest and strengthen their borrowing power for housing and education.
Speaking at its launch in Lautoka, growers fund chairman Marika Luveniyali said that for decades, growers had carried the weight of Fiji’s sugar industry with resilience and dedication.
“Yet many continue to face financial insecurity, limited access to savings and insurance mechanisms, and the challenges to seasonal income,” Mr Luveniyali said.
“While many growers have worked tirelessly to provide for their families and invest in their children’s education and wellbeing, limited financial planning opportunities and competing priorities have often made it difficult to build adequate savings for the future.”
He said some farmers had supported their livelihood with sustainable savings mechanisms such as FNPF contributions.
“This initiative seeks to change that by placing empathy, care, and future security at the centre of financial support for cane growers.”
UNDP/UNCDF resident representative Munkhtuya Altangerel said the scheme is a vital tool for economic and climate resilience and honouring farmers’ decades of contribution.
“The product has been designed with your future in mind,” she said.
“We hope it will support you, not only during the cane season, but across your lifetime, helping you save, plan, invest and build greater lasting strength for you and your families.”
The Pacific Digital Economy Programme initiative is supported by the European Union, Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The program is jointly implemented by UNDP and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
