The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) has expressed the need for larger molecular laboratories to enhance its research capabilities, according to CEO Dr. Vinesh Kumar. He made this statement during a meeting with Shri Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, at the SRIF head office last week.
Dr. Kumar indicated that a significant challenge facing the institute is the presence of numerous unapproved varieties of sugarcane in the Northern Division. He emphasized the importance of extracting Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) from the mixed varieties of cane found in the area.
Dr. Geetha Nandagopal, head of the crop protection division within the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, has been working with SRIF for the past two years. Dr. Kumar acknowledged Dr. Nandagopal’s contributions, noting her collaboration with local scientists to aid in disease identification and control.
He also mentioned that SRIF possesses adequate technology and cane varieties to support the sugar industry. However, Dr. Kumar pointed out that a prevailing challenge is encouraging farmers to adopt these advancements.