The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) warns against planting unapproved cane varieties. This was subjected particularly to the Northern Division.
The institute has 19 commercially approved varieties; farmers are advised to follow these. The SRIF conducts soil testing before advising farmers on which variety suits their farms.
The institute requests farmers across Fiji or the cane belt areas to plant the approved varieties. The miller will not accept anything else, including the Master Award.
The institute emphasizes that unapproved varieties do not produce the desired amount of sugar, leading to lower yields and financial losses.
Unapproved varieties are also more susceptible to disease, posing a significant risk to crop health and potential loss for farmers.
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