Sugar needs a ‘miracle'

THE resignation of the Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive has revealed that the problem-riddled industry is facing challenges looming larger than life.

Among other things, the issues have to do with the financially-troubled South Pacific Fertilizer company and the removal of funds from the European Union.

Surendra Sharma, who quit out of frustration after four months in office, says the beleaguered industry will need "a miracle man or a magician" to turn their fortunes around. SCGC chairman Jain Kumar admitted the council was facing problems ever since funding from the European Union ceased.

He said lack of funding meant lack of resources so the development of cane farms was affected.

Mr Sharma said the farmers could not be helped through the SCGC platform because it was under-resourced and with "zero power".

"All it can do is make appropriate noise," Mr Sharma said. His resignation is effective from March 9.