Fiji : Flowering cane threatens sugar quality
Fiji Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warned that delayed crushing is becoming critical as flowering sugarcane signals declining sugar content and quality, especially with the wetter season approaching. While some farmers maintain farms well, others neglect them despite government support. Uncertainty continues as FSC has not announced a new mill opening date.
Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna says some cane fields are already showing signs of flowering, a natural process that signals a gradual decline in sugar content if harvesting is further delayed.
Tunabuna says time is becoming a critical factor for the industry as prolonged delays could impact both the quality and value of the crop.
“Quality of sugar will now slowly be reduced when we kick into the wetter season, even now that we have the flowering of the sugarcane.”
Tunabuna also notes that while many farmers continue to maintain their farms and remain committed to the industry, there are others whose fields have been neglected despite government assistance for weed control and farm management.
He adds that he has observed both well-maintained and poorly managed cane farms, highlighting the contrast in the level of preparation among growers ahead of the crushing season.
The comments come as the Fiji sugar industry faces uncertainty over the delayed start to crushing, with the FSC yet to announce a new opening date for the mills.
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Source : FBC News
