The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) has issued a serious warning about the recent surge in intentional sugarcane field fires, labeling these actions as both dangerous and criminal.
Dr. Vinesh Kumar, CEO of SRIF, emphasized the severe damage these fires inflict not only on farmers but also on the entire sugarcane industry. He stressed that deliberately igniting sugarcane fields is a criminal offense that comes with severe consequences.
“These fires are not just reckless; they are criminal acts that have serious repercussions,” Dr. Kumar stated. He noted that the SRIF has faced considerable losses in vital research data due to these fires.
This data, which is typically accumulated over months or years, is crucial for fostering evidence-based advancements in the sugarcane sector. Dr. Kumar cautioned that a single act of arson could obliterate valuable research in an instant, hindering progress and adversely affecting the industry’s future.
He urged the community to grasp the seriousness of the issue, highlighting that arson not only threatens the economic stability of farmers but also endangers the scientific research that is essential for the industry’s sustainability and growth.
The SRIF has urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“By working together, we can safeguard our sugarcane fields, protect critical research, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of our industry,” he concluded.