Education programs targeting the growers were started off with pocket meetings, with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Executive Officers, followed by an organized large scale 'farmer's forum', where growers were explained the status of the industry along with the cane pricing systems and other relevant information was given.

Amongst other things, Dr Lal with the administrative support of the Council carried out 'Farm Cost Survey' to established the true cost of Cane Production.

She also assisted the Council in the Calendar 2004 to raise funds for the scholarships to farmers and cane cutters children.

In-house training provided to councillors/bod/staff

Training on the following subjects were provided to Councillors, Board of Directors and Staff over the last 2 years at district levels during monthly meetings:

Memorandum of Gang Agreements Master Award Lending Policies of SCGF Negotiations on Lease Renewal Health Care Insurance Programme Effects of Cane Burning Cane Access Road upgrading/maintenance Cane Transportation System Contract Harvesting System Drainage Schemes Legal Services Income Tax Returns/VAT Returns FNPF Voluntary Scheme

on going

External Staff Training

• Legal Service Procedures & Documentation–July 2003 (26 members – 1 day)
  
• Report Writing (ACIAR Project) – October 2003 (12 members-5 days)
  
• GIS Mapping – August 2004 (8 members – 3 days)
  
• Communication & Finance Fundamentals (TPAF)–12-13th May 2005 (26 members – 2 days)
  
• ALP Project Writing (11 members – 8 EO’s and 3 SEO’s – 2 days)

Growers Training

• Farmers Forum at District levels
  
• Harvesting Gang Meetings

Seminars/Workshops

• SCGC Profiling Workshop – 2nd October – 6th October 2006
  
• Sugar Industry Workshop – December 2006
  
• Councillors Seminar – December 2006
  
• Sugar Industry Stakeholders Meeting – 31st March 2007