A NEW irrigation system widely used in the horticulture industry in Australia could be introduced in sugarcane farms in the country to address the impact of the dry weather on cane production.
The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) had partnered with Australian irrigation company, Rivulis to run tests on two types of irrigation systems.
SRIF acting chief executive officer Prem Naidu said the demonstrations of the two systems were carried out at the institute’s sugarcane farm in Drasa, Lautoka.
“There are two systems that we are working closely with Rivulis on and these are the drip system and gravity system,” he said.
“The project is still in its early stages and so far we have exports from Rivulis setting up the two systems in our farms and teaching our researchers on how each system works.
“This is the first of the trials that they are embarking on and we will be determining the costs out of these trials so we can know what it will cost a farmer to adopt one of these systems.”
Rivulis regional sales manager Guy Boyd said the irrigation systems ensured efficient use of water.
“It is used widely in Australia because it allows for efficient water use but also gives you a lot of management of the crop.”
