Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama (middle) with delegates during the International Workshop on Nobilisation of Erianthus at Novotel Nadi Hotel at Namaka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
An international workshop designed to provide a source of fuel, fibre and food through the nobilisation of ‘erianthus’, a sugar hybrid, was opened by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday.
Cane breeders from around the world are in Fiji for five days to exchange ideas on the breeding of erianthus.
The discussions at the Novotel Nadi Hotel, Namaka, revolve around creating a sugarcane variety that would drastically improve yield in sugar and fibre.
Distinguished research scientists from eight nations who have had different levels of success with the nobilisation of erianthus are present at the workshop.
Commodore Bainimarama said the breeding of erianthus would be nothing less than a game-changer in cane breeding.
Commodore Bainimarama is the current chair of the International Sugar Council.
In this capacity, he said: “When it comes to sugar, we are firmly committed to advancing the cause of this global industry and the millions of ordinary people the world over who depend on it for their livelihoods.”
Eranthius
Fiji’s sugar research institute has produced many commercial varieties of sugarcane.
There has been much success in developing cane varieties which are low in impurities, adaptable to poor soils, requiring less water and resistant to hurricanes and droughts.
As a hybrid, erianthus is gaining interest in crossing with other sugar hybrids.
While this has seen considerable success across institutions in China, India and Australia, this workshop brings international sugar research experts to present techniques in making crosses in erianthus.
Commodore Bainimarama said: “The results of research carried out in a number of countries have been very promising. But as of yet, widespread success in breeding this hybrid remains elusive.
“It is my strong hope that – over the course of the five days – we come a step closer to unlocking the potential of this hybrid.”
Challenges of sugar industry
Commodore Bainimarama also highlighted the global sugar industry is facing exceptional challenges.
“The market has been altered by major shifts in production in a number of key sugar-producing countries, which have drastically decreased the volume of sugar traded internationally,” he said.
“Although there are certain forces that are out of our control, we must act on the reforms that are within our control.
“It means being smarter. It means adopting new practices. It means taking advantage of new technologies and techniques.”
He said that the sugarcane industry his Government inherited six years ago was wracked by neglect, mismanagement, a lack of vision, a lack of financial and commercial discipline, political interference, and corruption.
Not being complacent
Commodore Bainimarama said the industry must not become complacent.
“For the sugar industry, these opportunities often come in the form of new sugarcane varieties,” he said.
“In fact, the development of new cane varieties forms an absolutely critical part of the industry.”