Several factors have affected sugar production in the country during the last few years, said Professor Santiago Mahimairaja, Chief Executive Officer of Sugar Research Institute of Fiji.
Despite the cultivation of high-yielding cane varieties, sugar production in the country has declined in recent years as per the joint research conducted by the SRIF and the Fiji National University.
Poor soil health is one of the major factors leading to the lower production, he said citing that the data over 20-24 years indicate the decline in sugarcane production in the country.
The research will help in increasing sugarcane production in the country, he expects.
Professor Ronald De Marco, FNU Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation said that the survey of the sugarcane growers in the country was the launching pad for giving priorities to rejuvenating the sugar industry in Fiji.
