SUGARCANE farmers growing an unapproved cane variety have been warned that their harvests will no longer be accepted this crushing season after a three-year grace period.
Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said farmers had previously been given time to phase out unwanted cane variety, but enforcement would now begin.
“Farmers have been reminded on numerous occasions to avoid planting or supplying unapproved varieties,” he said.
Mr Tunabuna said authorities were still receiving reports of farmers planting and supplying cane varieties not approved by the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji.
“Farmers were advised on approved cane types and were expected to follow industry guidelines.”
These unapproved varieties are known as cultivars.
It is understood that three sectors in Seaqaqa, Wailevu (Labasa) and a few in the West have these unapproved varieties.
He said farmers were given three years to remove the unwanted variety, but this crushing season, mills would no longer accept it.
“The variety produced heavy cane with low sugar content, affecting sugar output in the North”
He said the move was aimed at improving cane quality and productivity in the industry.
