New Variety of Cane In The Next Season, Says Research Institute
“The variety has been tested on all the soil types, so we are hoping to release this for universal planting in the March and April planting season next year,” Mr Naidu said.
Tuesday 23 November 2021 | 10:30
Sugar cane growers in the Daku sector, Labasa during the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji organised Field Information Day on November 10, 2021.
A new variety of cane is likely to be released for commercial planting in the 2022 planting season.
This was confirmed by Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) deputy chief executive officer Prem Naidu.
He said the new variety of cane had been tested and had shown promising results.
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“The variety has been tested on all the soil types, so we are hoping to release this for universal planting in the March and April planting season next year,” Mr Naidu said.
“Data has shown that the variety has high sugar content in the mid-season.”
Mr Naidu said the new variety had shown a better trend in terms of sugar content than the predominant variety of cane in the country, Mana.
From left: Sugarcane farmer Janendra Kumar, Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt and Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive officer Bhan Singh at Field Information Day organised by Sugar Research Institute of Fiji in Nawaicoba, Nadi on October 22, 2021. Photo: Shreya Kumar.
“I am looking forward to planting around four acres of my farmland with the new variety, if everything goes well,” Mr Naicker said.
“I have been in contact with SRIF, and the work they have been doing is great.”
Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt said releasing the new variety meant an improvement to the sugar industry.
“A variety with higher sugar content would mean better yield and more income for the cane growers,” Mr Dutt said.
Feedback: shreya.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
