Fiji: The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) has taken steps to enhance soil fertility, thereby contributing to an increase in sugarcane production throughout the country, reported FBCnews.
This is through their best management practices programme, with the introduction of agricultural lime and intercropping on sugarcane farms.
Santiago Mahimairaja, the Chief Executive of the institute, highlights that the augmentation of yield on sugarcane farms will ultimately lead to a notable upswing in revenue within the sugar industry. He underscores the critical importance of this endeavor, stating, “Every year, approximately 50% of our sugarcane harvest originates from burnt cane. This not only has a detrimental impact on soil health but also adversely affects sugarcane quality and has significant environmental repercussions, as it results in the release of substantial volumes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Above all, the practice of burning cane has adverse effects on human health.”
Mahimairaja elaborates that they have taken swift and decisive actions to preserve the sustainability of the sugar industry. This includes the application of agricultural lime and the introduction of various crops alongside sugarcane to rectify the pH levels in the soil. He further underscores that intercropping presents an opportunity for farmers to generate additional income.
The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji is actively engaged with more than 12,000 farmers as part of its capacity-building program. Their mission is to equip these farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement best management practices in sugarcane farming, thereby contributing to the long-term vitality of the industry.
