Sugarcane plants require optimal rainfall in order to stimulate growth, says Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) CEO Professor Santiago Mahimairaja.
Prof Mahimairaja says the average rainfall to support high productivity is 1500mm to 2000mm per year.
“It is very important during the vegetative phase, apart from good sunlight and other factors,” he said.
Prof Mahimairaja said for proper germination, the sugarcane plants would need moisture.
He said the six-day Fiji Sugarcane Rainfall Outlook workshop co-organised with the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) in partnership with the Australian and New Zealand government-funded Climate and Oceans Support program in the Pacific (COSPPac), was a huge success.
“We had discussions with field officers, farm advisers and sugarcane farmers from all the cane belt areas in Fiji. The outcome from the workshop will assist farmers with planning future activities, such as planting and harvesting.”
The Fiji Meteorological Service said through the workshop, they aimed to further improve service provision for sugar industry stakeholders.
