Fiji has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its sugar industry with the opening of a new pest and disease screening facility, reports The Fiji Times.
Located in Wairuku, Rakiraki, the facility was commissioned last week by the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh.
Mr Singh emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of diseases that can devastate sugarcane crops.
“Wairuku is a naturally isolated location with abundant potential for pest and disease screening,” he stated.
“This pioneering centre will help us eliminate any susceptible varieties from being released, thereby saving tonnes of cane, time, and energy.
“This is Fiji’s first research centre dedicated specifically to sugarcane pest and disease screening. Beyond screening for pests and diseases, the facility will conduct soil tests and offer extension and advisory services,” Mr Singh added.
He noted that dedicated research has significantly minimized diseases like Fiji leaf gall disease in Fiji.
