WEATHER and climate have played a major role in the reduction of sugar cane production, says Sugar Research Institute of Fiji research officer Saimone Johnson.
Speaking at the National Climate Outlook Forum, Mr Johnson said over the past decade sugar production had decreased.
“Apart from other factors that I will not divulge in, weather and climate have played a major role in its reduction,” he said.
“We have lost areas where salt has entered the soil. Apart from that, we have also lost areas due to poor farm management.”
He said SRIF was able to determine affected areas through information provided by the Fiji Meteorological Service.
“Currently we receive the Fiji sugar cane rainfall data from FMS which is highlighting or measures the rainfall in areas that concentrate on like the northwestern parts of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
“Rainfall is one of the major components for planting and also determines our farmers and their work on the field.”
He added while the climate information had been helpful, more could be provided to assist sugarcane growers.
“One of the things or recommendations we would like FMS to take on board is to include other factors into our climate information because planting or farming is not just affected by rainfall alone.
“Other relevant products that we would like included in the sugar product is drought information, the seven-day outlook, climate outlook and outlook of days we will have without rain.
“While there is still some work to be done, we are very grateful that we are one of only two sectors that have tailor-made information provided to them.”
