The Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) has reduced interest rates for 797 growers under its Green Cane Incentive Programme, as part of efforts to promote sustainable farming practices.
The programme, introduced in 2025, rewards farmers who harvest at least 75 percent green cane. Eligible growers will now benefit from a reduced interest rate of 3.5 percent, down from 3.95 percent, for a 12-month period.
SCGF Chief Executive Officer Raj Sharma said the affected growers represent a combined loan portfolio of $7.97 million, accounting for 20 percent of the organisation’s total $38.91 million portfolio. He confirmed that all eligible growers have been notified via SMS.
The latest reduction takes effect from this month through February next year. Growers who maintain the 75 percent green cane threshold this season will continue to qualify for the same reduced rate for a further 12 months.
Mr Sharma said the interest rate cut will generate an estimated $35,865 in savings for growers, aligning with SCGF’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.
He added that SCGF returns more than $1 million annually to growers through initiatives such as discounted fees and mortgage protection cover, reinforcing the organisation’s focus on supporting the farming community.
