A new agreement has been established between the University of Fiji and the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership that will span five years. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) empowers the university to assist in crafting the strategic plan for the institute in line with the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji Act 2005.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem highlighted the wide-ranging legal mandate of SRIF, which includes research on various aspects of the sugar industry, including technical, social, scientific, and commercial factors. She emphasized that the collaboration will provide technical support to farmers, enhance cane quality payments, and oversee critical areas such as land use, environmental protection, diversification, and overall industry performance.
The MOU also outlines the university’s role in training and capacity building for SRIF personnel and other stakeholders, including farmers. This initiative establishes a framework for cooperative industry initiatives that align with both sustainable development goals and Fiji’s commitments towards climate change.
Additionally, the partnership aims to develop specialized training programs, short courses, and certificates tailored to the legislative requirements of SRIF and the sugar industry. It will also create opportunities for students through internships and attachments with SRIF, not only enriching their academic experience but also equipping them with practical skills relevant to the sugar sector.
This partnership comes at a time when the sugar industry faces numerous challenges, and aligns with other collaborative efforts that seek to enhance agricultural practices in Fiji, such as the recent agreement between SRIF and Fiji Rice Limited, which promotes integrated farming and optimizes land use, thus improving the livelihoods of local farming communities.
Overall, this collaboration promises to strengthen educational frameworks, promote sustainable practices, and contribute positively to the economic viability of Fiji’s sugar industry, offering hope for a resilient agricultural future in the region.
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