The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) is in need of expanded molecular laboratories to enhance its research capabilities, according to CEO Dr. Vinesh Kumar. He made this statement during a meeting last week with the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, Shri Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, at the SRIF headquarters.
Dr. Kumar highlighted that one significant issue faced by the institute is the presence of many unapproved cane varieties in the Northern Division. He explained that the institute is dealing with a variety of mixed cane species and aims to extract their Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
Dr. Geetha Nandagopal, head of crop protection under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, has been working with SRIF for two years. Dr. Kumar expressed appreciation for her contributions, as she has collaborated with local scientists to aid in disease identification and management.
While Dr. Kumar noted that SRIF has sufficient technology and cane varieties to support the industry, he mentioned an additional challenge: encouraging farmers to adapt to these advancements.