Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) has requested the farmers and stakeholders to harvest green cane. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raj Sharma said whilst it is challenging, but has appealed to do so. He said there are penalties and process to discourage, but at the same time there are incentives too. SCGF offers a Green Cane Incentive package that supports green climate initiatives.
He said that SCGF offers a reduced loan interest rate of 4%, which is 0.5% lower than the normal base rate of 4.5% to growers who harvest at least 75% of their total crop as green cane. This program started last year and currently 790 growers are benefiting from it, with loan portfolio of $7.55m (22%) from the total of $34.497m. He further stated that in the last season, 471 growers harvested 100% green cane and he expressed his appreciation for their efforts.
Mr. Sharma added that this program is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and SCGF is committed in fostering such initiatives. He also mentioned that there are lots of attractive (SDGs) loan packages for working class farmers, women farmers and physically challenged farmers at SCGF. The insurance packages for Mortgage Protection Cover with Capital Insurance being rolled out this (August) and General Insurance with Sun Insurance starting from next month (September) and these have been well received by growers respectively.

Raj Sharma
Chief Executive Officer
SUGAR CANE GROWERS FUND