Suva : As Fiji enters its dry season, farmers in the sugarcane belt are being told to prepare for varying levels of rainfall, reports The Fiji Times.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service’s latest forecast for September to December 2024, rainfall will be uneven across key sugarcane-growing regions. While parts of Northern Viti Levu and sections of the Northern Division are expected to receive some rain, other areas may face drier conditions.
The forecast predicts an increase in rainfall from October onward. “During the October to December 2024 period, there is a 75 per cent chance of receiving at least 400 to 600mm of rainfall across sugarcane-growing areas in Viti Levu. Meanwhile, there is a high chance of receiving 600 to 800mm in the sugarcane belt areas of Vanua Levu,” the forecast states.
Farmers who plant sugarcane between September and October have been urged to begin land preparation now and place orders for fertilisers to ensure timely application. The Meteorological Service also advised farmers to use only the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF)-certified seed cane for replanting to guarantee healthy growth and disease-free crops.
Additionally, the service cautioned farmers against planting unapproved cane varieties and encouraged them to closely follow weather forecasts when planning their harvesting and planting schedules.
