All sugarcane planting should be put on hold if farmers don’t have an irrigation system for the current weather conditions, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service.
The Fiji Sugarcane Rainfall Outlook for December 2023 to March 2024 is a forecasting below normal or less than 100mm of rain in December.
“If there are no irrigation facilities, then all planting activities should be put to hold as germination will be affected,” said Fiji Met.
“Below average rainfall forecast will likely cause the build-up of cane weevil borer (CWB) population and cause a disease called dead heart.
“Farmers should spray pre-emergent weedicides — diuron and valpar king — soon after planting or in ratoons at recommended rates to avoid influx of weeds which will lead to more costs in terms of labour, mechanical and weedicide control.”
The Fiji Met Office says farmers should avoid machines such as rippers and tillers during prolonged dry period to avoid moisture loss from the soil.
