Scheme for farmers extended
CANEGROWERS will still be able to access benefits under the Sugar Cane Growers Council’s Cane Farmers Micro Bundled Insurance Scheme after the continuation of the program.
Council CEO Vimal Dutt said the extension of the program was because of the difficult times that farmers had gone through as a result of the pandemic.
“The scheme is in its fourth year of roll out since 2017,” he said.
“The three years’ annual premium was paid by Sugar Cane Growers
Fund whilst the Government paid for six months from July to December 31, 2020, on behalf of all insured growers.
“Annual premium cost is approximately $600,000.
“Bundled insurance product is the sole welfare initiative currently available to canegrowers at an annual premium of $52 ($1 per week or 15 cents per day).
“The product provides a total cover $10,000 (term life and funeral benefit of $4000, house fire of $3000 and personal of $3000).
“The product has been very beneficial to growers in times of need and so far a total of 359 growers have received claims from this insurance at a total value of $1,183,194 since 2017.
“Considering the difficulties faced by individual growers to pay in cash, the council members have made a resolution and adapted an effective platform for deductions to be made at source.
“Annual deductions shall be made from growers share of cane proceeds and forwarded directly to the FijiCare Insurance.”
He added growers would no longer be required to fill in the deductions authority forms as practised in previous years.
“Council’s submission to the Sugar Industry Tribunal has been endorsed.
“For the year 2021, premium will be sourced from the final cane payment due in October, 2021. Growers are advised to visit their nearest SCGC office to lodge insurance claims and also to seek further information.”