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SUGAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF FIJI ANNUAL REPORT 2008 3 MISSION STATEMENT Advancing Industry by Excellence in Research to Improve Productivity ANNUAL REPORT 2008 4 Page Contents Chairman’s Report CEO’s Report Research & Development Crop Improvement Analytical Laboratory Metrology Crop Protection Geographic Information System Information Communication Technology Technology Transfer Extension FACP Tables Approved Varieties SRIF Employees Commercial Services Drasa Estate Waqadra Estate Rarawai Estate Penang Estate Labasa Estate Consolidated Financial Report Corporate Information ANNUAL REPORT 2008 5 Chairman’s Report The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji was constituted under an Act of Parliament in 2005, and officially founded on the First of October 2006.
Under the Act, the Institute is financed equally by the Government of Fiji, the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugar Cane Grower’s Council.

The Board members, appointed by the Government, assembled in Lautoka for their first meeting on November 15th 2006.

At this meeting the procedural matters necessary for the operation of an organization such as this were set out, and applications called for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances completely outside the control of the Board, the appointment was not able to be finalized, and a further round of applications was called.

A CEO was appointed towards the end of 2007, and the successful applicant took up his position in early 2008.
The Institute made its temporary headquarters in the buildings formerly occupied by FSC’s Sugar Cane Research Centre, shortly afterwards establishing branch offices in the three mill areas of Viti Levu and in Labasa on Vanua Levu.

A permanent headquarters for the Institute is yet to be established.
The objectives of the Institute are wide ranging, and include, among others:-  To design, develop, monitor and review research programmes and research strategies for the sugar industry;  To carry out research into any matters relating to the sugar industry;  To prevent, control and eradicate pest infection of sugar cane;  To develop a cane quality payment system for the sugar industry;  To provide training, advice and information to any person concerning any matter relating to the production, harvesting and processing of sugar cane or any other matter relating to the production of sugar cane or sugar cane by-products;  To monitor and improve the quality of sugar cane, cane and sugar by-products;  To preserve and enhance the ability of land to sustain sugar crops;  To assist in keeping to a minimum the damage to the environment that may be caused by the activities of the sugar industry;  To identify diversification opportunities for the sugar industry;  To carry out field and factory audits to assess performance trends for the benefit of the sugar industry.
Staff are being recruited and trained, as finances permit, under the guidance of the well trained staff brought over from the Sugar Cane Research Centre, and the functions set out in the objectives are being carried out as the opportunity permits.

Details of the Institute’s operations for the year 2008 are set out in the report which follows.
The Institute welcomes interaction from inside or outside the sugar industry, and the CEO and his staff will be happy to answer queries or provide further information on any aspect of this report or the Institute’s activities.

P.G.

Atherton OAM, CPEng Chairman, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji ANNUAL REPORT 2008 6 CEO’s Report In late 2007 the Board appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji who took up the position in March 2008.
This provided the Institute an opportunity to assess the internal structures and to streamline the operation of the Institute.

It was decided that the Institute develop a corporate plan that not only focused on the sugar industry but also the whole agricultural sector.

That is the focus would be to provide a total solution system to the cane growers and the millers over a period of time.
Thus empowered with the new structure and corporate plan a suitable staff performance evaluations system was developed that was transparent with more objective evaluation criteria based on competency models measuring better individual skills and performances.
The year 2008 will be remembered for extremely high fertilizer prices internationally, the decline in Protocol Sugar Price by 9.2% in 2008, release of fund from European Union for the Institute, research audit by Bureau of Sugar Experimentation Station Limited, Australia, and commencement of Technology Transfer and Meet Individual Grower Meetings, approval to set up the Disease Control and Productivity Unit and developing sustainable production systems.
The high prices of fertilizer because of tightening of supplies continued throughout the year.

However, this did not have a major impact on cane growers in Fiji in view of the price control on fertilizers.

The need to strengthen technology transfer was the single most important aspect of the 2008 activities particularly in view of the fact that the Extension Officers were based with Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd.

The senior staff agreed with management on the need for taking technology to the growers.
The only avenue for this to be achieved was to reduce research activities by approximately 30% of research staff utilizing this time for conducting extension activities.

The initial surveys conducted by staff in all sectors prior to “Meet the Grower Meetings” clearly indicated that 47% growers felt that late delivery of fertilizer was the major constraint followed by weed control and drainage, harvesting and transportation were the other main issues for most growers.
A total of 28 technology transfer meetings were organized with focus on various aspects of sugarcane production.

These were very popular with the growers and on an average 30-40 growers attended these meetings.

It was very clear from these activities that there is a great need for information by growers for better management systems to improve yields.

The weather was not conducive for planting and replanting of cane during the year.
It is apparent that weather now has a major impact on various operations needed to produce good cane.

The small windows of opportunities that are normally available to growers in Fiji for various agricultural activities appear to be diminishing over the last two seasons due to various extreme weather events.
Thus weather had a major impact on cane planting during the year and as a result there was low planting in spite of the fact that European Union provided funding under the National Adaptation Strategy.

These weather effects, if extrapolated, should be of concern to all and direct the sugar industry to ask the question what could be the impact on sugar industry due to Climate Change and possible sea level rise.
The plant breeding projects had mixed fortunes during the year due to low production in terms of seedling production from the number of crosses made.

This poor seedling germination warranted an ANNUAL REPORT 2008 7 external support from breeding expert to resolve this issue the following year.

It was agreed that one of expert scientist on breeding from the Board would be requested to support the crossing and fuzz germination in 2009.
A successful Large Mill Testing of the promising variety at Rarawai Mill was highlight breeding achievements besides routine advancement of varieties.

It was agreed despite some reluctance to plant advanced varieties as large strip trials at one location rather than at four locations in small randomized trials.

This trial would be carefully monitored to see the outcome of this preliminary experiment to decrease the intergeneration time of varieties.
In order to meet the goals of the Institute plans were approved for the Productivity Unit of Sugar Research Institute of Fiji.

This unit was to take up the fundamental roles of extension, rouging and seedcane production, a unique opportunity for the Fijian sugar industry.

Fiji disease and borer damage continue to be the main pest and disease issues facing the growers.

The situation is a little precarious in view of stand over cane being severely affected with Fiji disease.
This is an area of major concern.

The EU provided funding for Hot Water Treatments Plants in view of the fact that there was widespread infection of Ratoon Stunting Disease in the Fijian sugar industry.

Approval was given to set up Geographical Information System and to collaborate with our international partners Land Care, New Zealand.

The Institute suffered two major setbacks due to reasons beyond its control.
Firstly, the mill audit could not be conducted due to the delay in obtaining information from FSC Ltd. Secondly the disease control and productivity unit was not set up as the Corporation had plans to reverse its earlier decision on estates and government had plans to revert extension back to FSC Ltd.
It was agreed by the Board and Management that for the Institute to be successful within the next five years in the currently rapidly changing world, we need to maxmise the productivity of our resources like physical, financial, information and human.

For the Institute, the positions at the Institute will never be of the past as we cannot live in the past.

To achieve progress we needed to recruit more staff and develop capacity.
Changes are based on changing technology, our changing work force and on changing nature of work itself.

The changes are different this time that is it is more permanent.

The Institute will provide opportunities to learn skills and develop new abilities, to respond to these changes in our careers and our Institute.

It is hoped that this process will allow everyone to acquire skills, knowledge and abilities to perform on their positions.
This will help us of the goal to improve the performance of the Institute by increasing the efficiency and performance of our stakeholders in few years time.

Jai Gawander ANNUAL REPORT 2008 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Crop Improvement Stage 1 Trial Planting 9 is responsible This section for breeding improved varieties of sugarcane for the Fiji Sugar Industry.

The table below summarizes the number of clones of the different series and the respective stages.
A total of 10527 varieties, from the LF2008 series, which was 92% of the total potted (11450) were transplanted to an area of 1.2 hectare as single stools.

The seedlings were irrigated and established well.


Stage Series LF97 LF98 LF99 LF00 LF01 LF02 LF03 LF04 LF05 LF06 LF07 LF08 I II III IV V Stage 1 Trial Selection A total of 706 cultivars of LF 2007 series were advanced from stage 1 single stool clones to stage 2 single lines.
The selection percentage was 6.5% of the 10784 clones from stage 1.

The selection was done nine months after planting and was based on brix, vigour and disease incidence.

Table 1: Brix range for selected varieties and standards Brix Varieties Selected 94 192 281 106 >25 ≤25 ≤24 ≤23 ≤ 22 Total 706 33 Flowering Beds Stage 2 Trial (LF2006 series) There were six flowering beds that produced flowers for crossing in 2008.

The number of varieties in the “Arrowing” beds for the 2008 crossing season was 605.
Crossing The 2008 crossing season commenced on 28th April and ended on 18th July.

A total of 453 bi- parental crosses were set-up using 167 female and 152 male parents.

All the flowers that were in crossing were obtained from the used flowering beds at Dobuilevu.

Fuzz Sowing and Raising Seedlings Fuzz sowing commenced on 11th July and ended on 15th August 2007.

A total of 546 packets of fuzz was sown that included fuzz from the past five years.
147 packets germinated (27 %) and produced 12485 seedlings.

in August.

The Preliminary selection (via brix readings) was carried out at the end of July and the cane analysis completed final selection of varieties was based on comparison of data of test clones against standards.

The varieties were selected on sucrose content and % fibre.

Based on the selection criteria above 86 varieties were selected and advanced to stage 3 observation plot trial.
The sucrose content of the selected varieties ranged between 102 – 16.1 %.

The fibre content of the selected varieties ranged between 7.3 – 15.0%.

Stage 3 Trial (LF2005 series) The cane analysis was conducted in August 2008.

The final selection of varieties based on both comparison of test clones data against the standards and field information was recorded during sampling.

Eleven varieties were selected on sucrose content and % fibre and advanced to stage 4 seed bed.
The sucrose content of the ANNUAL REPORT 2008 selected varieties ranged between 11.1 – 16.7 % and the standards from 13.4 – 14.0%.

Development of high fibre varieties The high fibre (HF) varieties identified from progressive stage 3 and 4 trials were not advanced further in the programme due to their profuse early flowering except one variety LF02- 541 that will be further evaluated.
The large plot trial of the high fibre variety, LF97-382 was planted in 2008 and the large mill trial for this variety will be conducted in 2009.

There were six flowering beds that produced flowers for crossing in 2007.

The number of varieties in the “Arrowing” beds for the 2007 crossing season was 685.

Stage 4 Trials The following series were analysed for the stage 4 trial; LF01 (2nd ratoon), LF02 (1st ratoon) and LF03 (plant).
The tables below show the summarized data of selected varieties for advancement from all trial locations.

10 Varieties LF02-144, LF02-541 and LF02-158 have been marked for further analysis in the first ratoon crop before further advancement.

Varieties from the LF03 series will be selected after the first ratoon evaluation.

Stage 5 Trials The following series were analysed for stage 5 trial; LF01 (plant), LF00 & LF99 (ratoon).
Varieties selected from this stage would be further evaluated in the large mill trial.

Table 4: LF01 series Variety LF01-30 LF01-480 Aiwa Naidiri Ragnar % pocs % fibre 10.4 13.0 10.6 10.4 10.4 15.6 15.5 16.3 15.4 15.4 tc/ha 90 98 98 116 116 ts/ha 13 15.9 15.9 16.0 15.5 All selected elite varieties from stage 4 and stage 5 will be planted in a strip trial for large scale research.
%pocs Table 2: LF01 Summary Variety LF01-409 LF01-480 Naidiri Aiwa Ragnar 15.7 16.8 15.1 16.8 14.3 %fibre 9.0 13.6 10.6 9.1 9.0 Table 3: LF02 Summary Variety LF02-144 LF02-541 LF02-158 Aiwa Mana Naidiri %pocs %fibre 10.9 10.3 13.2 10.6 8.9 10.9 15.7 14.7 14.3 14.4 13.8 14.8 tc/ha 128 107 122 107 97 ts/ha 19.4 17.3 17.8 17.3 12.8 tc/ha 84 128 125 118 124 106 ts/ha 13.1 18.6 17.9 16.6 16.8 15.2 Table 5: LF00 series Variety LF00-431 LF00-1057 Mana Naidiri %pocs %fibre 11.9 11.1 8.7 10.2 15.7 15.6 15.2 16.2 tc/ha 105 121 88 106 ts/ha 16.1 18.5 13.3 17.0 Large Mill Trial – LF94-694 Seed Propagation Seed material of promising variety LF94-694 was propagated during the year.
The actual trial will be planted in 2009.

New Variety – LF82-2244 The new variety LF82-2244 is due to be released in 2009.

LF01-409 & LF01-480 have been marked for advancement to stage 5.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 11 Analytical Laboratory 1.

Introduction The Analytical Laboratory continues to provide essential analytical services to growers and other research work where soil and leaf for blended samples are mostly analyzed fertilizer recommendations.
Cane samples are mainly analyzed to determine %pocs and % fibre for research trials conducted by the respective sections in the four mill areas.

The laboratory carries out non-routine analysis such as soil salinity & sodicity assessment, cation exchange capacity, soil texture, organic matter, phosphorus, micronutrients analysis and cane deterioration analysis upon request, while few soil samples were analyzed for commercial purposes in year 2008. nitrogen & total 2.
Soil and Leaf Samples A total of 1695 soil and leaf were analyzed for advisory and research purposes.

Out of which 1245 samples were for Fertilizer Advisory Services (FAS) for plant and ratoon crop recommendation.

Only a small proportion of cane farmers in Fiji use FAS.

conducted Hence an educational program on soil sampling was through in 37 technology transfer meetings.

The idea was to educate farmers so that they carry out soil sampling themselves.
sectors A similar training is required on leaf sampling so that farmers can carry out sampling on time and apply fertilizer to their successive ratoon crop accordingly as per fertilizer recommendation based on leaf analysis.

A new UV/Visible spectrophotometer Varian Cary 50 was purchased to carry on with soil and leaf analysis.

The laboratory is planning to upgrade instruments depending on availability of funds in the near future.
its Development of soil-specific guidelines for is an area that the nutrient management laboratory is planning to venture into.

The current analysis and experimental data on which the recommendations are based on, needs to be reviewed and analysis such as nitrogen mineralization potential of different soil types, phosphorus absorption index, other nutrients and soil physical properties will to be incorporated the Fertilizer Advisory System.

into 3.
into 3.

Cane samples A total of 2451 cane samples were analyzed for brix, pol, and fibre to determine %pocs in the small mill.

The cane samples consist of variety, extension and agronomy trials conducted in the four mill areas (Lautoka, Labasa, Rarawai & Penang) during the year.

Currently the feasibility of using Spectracane for cane analysis is been looked into since the current small mill analysis is bit tedious.

4.
4.

Quality Assurance System Our internal quality control program is well established due to the current set up of quality assurance program with other members of the South Pacific Agricultural Laboratory Network (SPACNET) for accreditation of our laboratory to international standards.
ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Summary of theTotal Analysis in 2008Advisory Soil22%Research Soil7%Research Leaf4%Advisory Leaf8%Cane59% 12 The Laboratory Technicians are provided training as part of SPACNET training program to improve the analytical skills.

Safety measures regarding OHS regulations implemented in the Analytical Laboratory and Small Mill are maintained.

The membership to the Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) exchange sample proficiency was reviewed under SPACNET funding this year.
The Analytical laboratory is certified to carry out soil analysis for the following analysis: Ca, Mg, K, Na, %OM and % N while %Mg for leaf analysis by ASPAC under the laboratory proficiency 2nd round of program.

inter The Analytical Laboratory took part in the Joint Soils Conference organized by Australian and New Zealand Societies of Soil Science, which was held at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, from 1st to 5th December 2008.
Figure 2: Mixing shredded cane samples (fibre) Figure 3: Extraction of sugarcane juice Figure 1: Crushing sugarcane samples Figure 4: Analysing extracted cane juice ANNUAL REPORT 2008 13 Metrology Introduction The Meteorology Station in Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) is maintained with the help of the Fiji Meteorology Services (FMS).

The climate readings such as hours of sunshine, evaporation, relative humidity, air and earth temperature, wind force and rainfall are taken daily at 9.00 a.m.
The data is compiled at the end of the month and forwarded to FMS for their records.

Similarly rainfall figures from the sectors in the eight districts are compiled and also forwarded to Fiji Meteorology Services.

The climatic data is used to produce monthly climate summary and the country and a climate outlook for for specialized quarterly climate outlook sugarcane belt areas is also produced.
Rainfall The enhanced rainfall associated with La Nina event and tropical cyclones Funa and Gene brought significant rain resulting in average to well above average rainfall across the country in January.

Cyclone Gene affected almost the whole Fiji Group with damaging gale force in rain winds and heavy widespread flooding.

resulted that Two significant wet spells affected the country in February.
The first spell was associated with Tropical Cyclone (TC) Gene, moving further away from the country during the first week.

The other was associated with the merging of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) and a frontal system approaching Fiji during the last week of the month.

The two systems brought a substantial amount of rainfall to many parts of the country in northwestern Viti Levu which resulted in severe flooding around Nadi and Rakiraki.
Rainfall in March ranged from well below average to average.

March was drier than expected due to the dominant effect of a ridge of high pressure over the Fiji Group.

Consequently rainfall was below average especially in southeastern Viti Levu and the eastern parts of the Northern Division.

Only Sigatoka and Ba area recorded normal rainfall.

Weather conditions in April were typical of a transition month.
Rainfall in April was below average in parts of the country, ranging from below average to above average across the country.

A mixed weather pattern existed in May.

While the month started with a wet condition, transition to more settled weather conditions took place during the later part of the month as the sub-tropical ridge of high pressure became more dominant.

The country experienced the first cool spell from May 22 to 29 with several sites recording below 18°C during this period.
May was considerably wetter than normal with generally above average rainfall recorded across the country.

In June, an enhanced South Pacific Convergence Zone, frontal system and trough of low pressure caused widespread rainfall with some heavy falls at the beginning and middle of the month.

Most of the country received above average rainfall in June as more than usual rain-bearing systems affected the Group.
Rainfall varied from below average in Nadi and Ba to well above average in the Northern Division.

In July, most parts of the country experienced drier conditions compared to long term average (1971-2000).

In contrast, parts of Fiji received significant rainfall.

Above average to well above average rainfall was experienced at Lautoka, Nadi Airport and Rarawai Mill while well below average rainfall was recorded in Rakiraki and Labasa.
Considerably drier than normal conditions were experienced in most parts of the country in August as stable weather conditions associated with ridges of high pressure had a more dominant (than usual) effect on the country.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 the Overall, August rainfall was well below average to below average across most of the Western, varied and Northern Divisions.

Rainfall considerably across in In the Western Division, and September.

Labasa, rainfall was below average.


October was a typical transition month from Dry to Wet Season, rainfall recorded was below average across the Northern Division, and parts of the Western Division.

Islands Fiji Due to this very significant deficiency in rainfall in August, a meteorological drought warning was in place for the Nadi, Ba and greater parts of Labasa and Rakiraki and Sigatoka Valley region from September.
The meteorological drought continued to exists in parts of Western Viti Levu and Northern part of the country till October.

November showed a typical wet weather pattern confirming the timely transition into the wet season.

November was wetter than normal in the Western Divisions.

At Ba, and Penang, rainfall was more than twice the November long term average.

In the Northern Division rainfall rare meteorological was average.

Several events were reported during the month.


This included hail, lightning strike and a 15 minute mini-tornado.

The meteorological drought that existed in parts of Viti Levu in recent months has ended.

Normal conditions exist as of December.

Rainfall varied from below average to above average across the country in December.

Isolated heavy rainfall was experienced.

Observed rainfall was below average in the Western Division and above average in most parts of the Northern Division.
All the four mills recorded above average rainfall for the year 2008.

The rainfall received was slightly distributed throughout the year except for the dry period that prevailed from August till October mainly.

14 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to affect The La Niña event which began in August 2007 continued the Fiji Group and meteorological observations showed that the event was in a mature stage during Jan-Feb 2008.
The event showed the first signs of weakening in the Pacific basin during March and continued to weaken during April.

In May, it dissipated and the Pacific climate patterns were generally neutral although some aspects of the La Niña continue to persist.

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indicators showed that neutral conditions were firmly established in the tropical Pacific in June and neutral ENSO conditions continued to prevail across the tropical Pacific till August.
in the Although sea surface temperatures tropical Pacific cooled slightly over the last three weeks in September, the ENSO state remained neutral and neutral ENSO conditions prevailed in the Pacific Basin till November.

The climatic conditions and latest model predictions forecasted a shift from neutral towards La Nina conditions in December.

the Relative Humidity Generally average to above average humid conditions prevailed in the month of January and February.
Similar conditions prevailed most parts of the country during this two months.

Near average to below average humidity conditions prevailed from March to December.

The relative humidity measured during this period was mainly 5 units less than the long time mean values for the respective month.

The lowest monthly average was recorded for the month of September.

Sunshine The mean sunshine hours varied during the first half of the year.
The South Pacific Convergence Zone moved closer to the Fiji Group due to the ANNUAL REPORT 2008 15 La Nina event during this period as a result mostly cloudy conditions prevailed.

Monthly mean sunshine hours were above average its long time mean value from July till December.

Earth Temperature The earth temperatures were slightly higher than the long time mean values throughout the year at all depths (5cm, 10cm & 20cm) except for the month of February and July.
The earth temperature varied on day to day basis but there was an overall increase by 0.3 – 1.9ºC at all depths for respective month.

Soil Moisture The soil moisture status was significantly better during January till March, May and November as there was sufficient moisture for moderate to good cane growth.

The rest of the months, the soil moisture status was dry-limiting while drought like conditions prevailed from August till September.
The moisture status varied at different sites and during respective month but overall similar soil moisture status existed near all the four mills as well as the sectors throughout the year.

Air Temperature The monthly mean maximum temperature and minimum temperature was mostly average to above average throughout the year across the country.

Evaporation The raised and sunken pan evaporation varied during the year.

It was mostly average to above average during the dry period “May to October”.
Figure 1: Pluviometer - measures time and intensity of rainfall Figure 2: Anatomy of a Pluviometer Figure 3: Newly installed automatic weather station ANNUAL REPORT 2008 16 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 24 21 24 19 22 23 rain rain 74.1 Feb years years 225.3 173.2 Table 1: Rainfall (mm) for all mills - 2008 Mills Mar Jan Lautoka Mill Monthly Rainfall No.

of days 99 average % of average Rarawai Mill Monthly Rainfall No.

of days 122 average % of average Penang Mill Monthly Rainfall No.
of days 110 average % of average Labasa Mill Monthly Rainfall No.
of days 118 average % of average 235.3 169.2 103.1 286.7 162.4 274.0 years years 92.7 48.7 rain rain Table 2: Transeau Ratio (Precipitation/Evaporation) and Moisture Status of Soil 2008 P.E <0.25 0.26-0.50 0.51-1.00 1.10-2.00 >2.00 Moisture status Drought conditions Very dry - limiting moisture.
Slow growth.

Dry - limiting moisture.

Slow growth.

Moderate - sufficient moisture for moderate growth.

March, May, November Good - sufficient moisture for good growth.
Months August, September January, February April, June, July, October, December ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total * * * * * * * * * * Jul Jun Feb Apr Jan May Table 3: Rainfall data (mm) for Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka Districts 2008 Sector Mar Lautoka District Drasa No.
of rain days Lovu No.

of rain days Saweni No.

of rain days Natova No.

of rain days Nadi District Legalega No.

of rain days Meigunyah No.

of rain days Qeleloa No.

of rain days Navo Dist/Office No.

of rain days Malolo No.

of rain days Nawaicoba No.

of rain days Yako No.

of rain days Sigatoka District Natadola (Farm) No.

of rain days Lomawai No.

of rain days Cuvu No.

of rain days Olosara No.

of rain days NB: No rainfall data was available for Natadola this year.
* * 86.0 146.5 8 561.5 327.5 288.0 121.5 204.0 161.0 11 99.5 248.2 143.7 10 11 * * 817.0 276.0 264.5 145.0 8 10 501.0 285.9 273.5 9 * * 48.5 3 73.0 5 55.0 3 * * * * * * * * ANNUAL REPORT 2008 18 9 8 8 7 4 8 8 9 7 17 10 13 16 17 Jul Jun Feb Jan Mar May 982.0 17 1099.0 20 607.0 317.0 173.0 189.0 10 728.0 415.0 285.0 289.0 12 Table 4: Rainfall data (mm) for Rarawai Mill 2008 Sector Apr Rarawai District 38.0 49.0 Varoko (Sarava) 2 No.
of rain days 76.0 37.0 Mota No.

of rain days 2 Naloto (Nukuloa) 1098.0 1068.0 409.0 326.0 340.0 124.0 50.0 No.

of rain days 2 51.8 44.9 Rarawai 2 No.

of rain days 54.7 52.1 AES - Rarawai No.

of rain days 3 54.0 49.0 Koronubu No.

of rain days 2 45.0 54.0 Veisaru (Navatu) No.

of rain days 2 28.0 27.0 Varavu No.

of rain days 2 Tavua District Tagi Tagi No.

of rain days Yaladro (Tavua) No.

of rain days Drumasi No.
of rain days Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Table 5: Rainfall data (mm) for Penang Mill – 2008 Sector Nanuku Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 733.2 448.4 181.8 84.6 160.6 57.2 17.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 229.0 60.8 1973.4 No.
of rain days 14 10 7 5 8 3 1 0 0 0 5 3 56 (Malau) Penang Mill 1240.5 570.0 200.0 218.6 271.0 104.4 18.5 74.6 38.3 21.0 381.4 242.3 3380.6 No.

of rain days 26 19 17 24 12 11 3 8 12 8 18 22 180 Ellington I 427.1 245.1 * 152.0 165.3 73.4 28.1 13.0 10 21.1 157.7 141.8 1434.6 No.

of rain days 21 11 * 14 16 9 3 4 1 4 13 11 107 Ellington II 469.0 234.2 133.7 208.1 195.9 145.2 254.4 3.0 42.7 70.2 203.6 631.9 2591.9 No.
of rain days 13 15 11 12 14 9 4 3 7 9 11 16 124 NB: No rainfall data was available for Ellington I for month of March.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Table 6: Rainfall (mm) data for Labasa Mill – 2008 19 Sector Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Seqaqa District Rokosalase (Solove) 813.0 292.7 193.7 152.6 126.5 119.2 16.8 11.4 16.1 126.3 150.8 145.8 2164.9 No.
of rain days 24 22 14 13 15 11 5 5 4 9 16 13 151 Naravuka (Bulivou) 870.7 253.8 195.3 173.5 127.2 116.7 145.8 39.8 53.5 115.2 455.1 179.0 2725.6 No.

of rain days 23 14 13 7 10 9 6 4 4 9 15 7 121 Natua (Seaqaqa) 984.4 542.0 239.8 210.3 366.2 200.8 18.3 10.0 35.5 59.6 107.0 376.6 3150.5 No.

of rain days 28 21 20 20 21 13 5 5 10 8 15 23 189 Seaqaqa Sub.

St. 976.6 666.4 309.5 262.8 333.3 197.8 22.2 6.8 17.4 134.0 196.8 535.4 3659.0 No.
of rain days Labasa District 23 25 13 13 20 12 6 2 3 5 17 19 158 Waiqele 964.5 424.0 390.8 255.8 307.4 180.7 11.0 14.4 55.6 47.6 164.5 342.0 3158.3 No.

of rain days 22 15 12 13 15 7 2 3 6 3 13 15 126 Wailevu 999.4 287.3 275.1 153.0 283.3 102.6 5.8 7.9 63.6 46.3 159.4 250.8 2634.5 No.

of rain days 21 23 14 12 12 6 1 5 4 4 14 13 129 Vunimoli 1494.4 436.0 350.8 354.6 278.4 252.0 20.6 5.8 43.6 15.0 214.0 285.4 3750.6 No.
of rain days 28 21 17 17 15 10 3 3 5 6 15 16 156 Korowiri (Labasa M) 1002.6 332.6 305.0 255.8 243.5 97.2 9.7 2.6 45.4 46.5 167.9 298.6 2807.4 No.

of rain days 26 24 19 25 17 10 8 3 9 5 21 23 190 Nagigi (Bucaisau) 986.4 430.0 233.0 115.8 206.2 120.0 3.2 6.6 54.8 10.0 166.4 237.2 2569.6 No.

of rain days 22 15 11 10 12 6 2 3 4 2 15 9 111 Daku 941.4 375.9 269.4 115.0 186.2 205.5 21.7 3.2 83.0 11.5 210.9 320.3 2744.0 No.
of rain days 24 19 17 13 12 8 2 2 8 2 15 14 136 Kuru Kuru (Daku) 1259.6 380.8 252.2 136.9 185.7 196.9 14.0 0.0 93.6 27.2 125.1 344.6 3016.6 No.

of rain days 27 16 17 10 11 8 2 0 6 5 13 16 131 Wainikoro 1138.2 538.0 335.6 121.0 203.0 251.0 21.0 4.0 86.0 10.0 146.2 258.0 3112.0 No.

of rain days 20 18 15 13 13 8 3 1 6 3 9 10 119 Vunivutu (Wainikoro) No.
of rain days * * * 144.2 150.5 129.5 144.5 16.4 4.2 41.4 12.2 174.4 327.9 1145.2 * 12 11 15 11 2 2 5 3 13 12 86 Papalagi (Wainikoro) 807.0 344.0 101.9 88.1 107.3 139.4 3.2 0.2 11.9 4.0 190.5 434.7 2232.2 No.

of rain days 25 13 11 6 8 7 1 1 3 1 18 23 117 NB: The previous observer did not take the rainfall reading for January and February.

Hence the rain gauge at Vunivutu was relocated.
ANNUAL REPORT 2008 20 Table 7: Meteorological data for Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, Lautoka – 2008 Measurements Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Relative humidity (%) Humidity 51 years average Air temperature (°C) 78 76 81 77 77 80 72 77 73 79 77 79 69 74 68 73 64 70 67 69 69 73 68 73 Mean maximum 30.3 30.4 30.6 31.2 28.8 29.5 28.6 29.8 30.3 30.7 30.5 Mean max 52 years 31.2 31.6 31.0 30.4 29.3 28.8 28.5 28.5 29.2 29.5 30.3 Mean minimum 23.5 23.6 23.3 23.1 21.5 21.3 19.5 20.7 21.3 22.2 22.6 Mean max 52 years 23.8 22.6 24.1 23.2 21.3 21.0 19.7 20.4 21.0 21.3 23.0 Mean 26.9 27.0 27.0 27.2 25.2 25.4 24.1 25.3 25.8 26.5 26.6 Highest maximum 32.0 32.7 32.6 33.6 30.9 31.5 30.2 31.5 32.9 32.9 31.9 Lowest minimum 21.0 21.0 18.9 21.2 17.8 18.7 15.5 18.6 17.9 15.9 20.7 31.5 31.4 23.7 23.7 27.6 32.8 21.7 Evaporation (mm) Sunken pan 107.9 61.8 119.0 135.9 96.1 92.0 103.1 134.1 149.1 157.4 168.6 145.2 Sunken pan 51 years 163.3 121.7 133.4 127.0 108.4 95.0 117.3 136.5 143.0 177.4 162.1 189.9 Raised pan 130.0 132.8 146.5 156.2 131.0 116.5 137.6 167.4 178.0 201.9 189.5 209.4 Raised pan 51 years 161.3 143.4 147.1 134.9 116.7 107.3 136.4 154.0 165.0 197.7 182.4 203.1 P:E ratio 5.17 4.17 1.58 0.75 1.72 0.96 0.89 0.01 0.15 0.51 1.14 0.57 Earth temperature (°C) 5 cm 10 cm 20 cm 100 cm 28.6 28.2 28.2 27.7 25.1 24.8 23.2 26.0 28.1 30.1 30.7 28.4 27.7 28.0 27.5 25.2 24.9 23.5 26.2 27.6 29.2 29.3 * 29.4 29.4 29.1 27.1 26.8 25.5 27.7 28.9 30.1 30.4 23.0 22.2 23.5 23.3 22.0 21.3 20.2 21.4 22.3 23.3 23.9 51 year mean 5 cm 29.0 28.3 27.7 27.3 26.1 24.4 23.6 24.6 26.3 28.2 30.2 51 " " 10 cm 28.3 28.5 27.6 26.9 24.8 24.6 24.5 24.7 26.7 27.3 28.2 51 " " 20 cm 29.0 30.0 28.9 28.3 27.0 26.0 26.6 26.0 27.1 28.3 30.0 31.2 30.1 30.7 24.0 31.0 29.9 30.7 Sunshine (hours) Mean 50 years mean 5.1 6.4 5.4 6.3 6.1 6.8 7.3 7.0 5.3 5.8 6.6 8.2 8.1 7.6 8.5 7.6 7.3 7.3 8.0 8.2 7.7 6.7 8.1 7.8 NB: The earth thermometer for 20cm depth was broken in Nov 2007 and replaced in Feb 2008.
Hence no temperatures readings were taken for the month of January.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Crop Protection Crop Protection section is tasked to observe with great vigilance the possible outbreak of sugarcane diseases and its management that may affect the health of the crop or reduce the crop yield in the Fiji Sugar Industry.

Our main objective is to breed for resistance to sugarcane diseases and to manage the spread of diseases in the commercial cane fields.
Diseases There are currently three major sugarcane diseases and one major insect pest, namely (Perenosclerospora sacchari Downy mildew Miyake), Fiji leaf gall (formerly known as Fiji disease) disease and ratoon stunting disease (Leifsonia xyli subsp xyli).

Altogether, thirty- one known sugarcane disease has been recorded in Fiji since the inception of the sugar industry in the 1880s.

Of the three major diseases, downy mildew has not been recorded since 1996.
Fiji leaf gall disease is currently our major disease while the insect pest, cane weevil borer (Rhabdoscelus obscurus Boisd.)

has caused economic loss over the years.

Fiji Leaf gall disease Fiji leaf gall disease (Fiji virus) was recorded in most of the sectors in the Lautoka mill area and a few stools infected at Rarawai mill area.

The variety that is most affected is Mana and this variety is widely planted in the Viti Levu mills accounting for almost 80% of the total cane crop.
The resistance screening of the new clones (LF03 and LF04) were initiated in April/ May with the field collection of the sugarcane leaf hoppers (Perkinsiella vitiensis).

The captured insects were placed (bred) in a cage containing an infected Erianthus maximus (Fiji 10) plant at our nursery.

Viruliferous nymphs appeared after 4 – 5 weeks in these cages and then were released into bigger insectaries containing the entire test clones.
Constant care for the clones 21 in the field by irrigating and fertilizing the plants enabled the symptoms to stand out.

The results (Table 1) of the trial showed that 67% of the LF2003 series were resistant while 33% were Only 19% of the moderately susceptible.

LF2004 series were moderately susceptible while 81% were resistant.

Figure 1: Leaf Hopper on Disease Cane.


Table 1: Resistance of Clones screened for Fiji leaf gall disease Series /Number screened LF2003 LF2004 Clone Resistance (%) Resistan t 67% (16) 81% (29) Moderate Susceptible 33% (8) 19% (7) (0) (0) Downy mildew disease The management of downy mildew disease in commercial fields has been a success and this is attributed to planting resistant sugar cane variety and a resistant maize variety, Nirhala, an alternate crop planted in the Sigatoka valley.
The Disease Control Unit has contributed also in conducting vigorous rouging in these areas.

Random checks are done periodically to ascertain if recurrence of the disease.

Screening for resistance to Downy mildew disease was conducted at the downy mildew disease nursery at Tavakubu, Lautoka.

Downy (P. sacchari) nursery at mildew disease ANNUAL REPORT 2008 22 Tavakubu was maintained with the use of irrigation systems as rains were lower than expected.
To increase the fungal inoculums (spores), continuous irrigation was done on alternate days.

During the observation period, we faced heavy rain that forced us to abandon the trial due to heavy flooding which severely damage the roads and bridge leading to the trial site.

The trial will be repeated in 2009.

Ratoon stunting disease the movement of sugar cane material from one country to the other.
Field surveys show that Mana in the Viti Levu mills is most affected while Waya is most affected in Labasa mill.

From the experiment conducted, LF02-458, LF02-149 was the most affected similar to Mana and Kaba while the rest were unaffected (Table 2).

It can be deduced from this that the test clone that had the least tunnel length damaged by the cane weevil borer was the least preferred by the insect pest.

Table 2: CWB trial results Variety Length dam.

(cm) 15 15 0 16 16 0 0 0 No.


of Larvae 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 Weight of larvae (g) 0.03 0.02 0 0.05 0.03 0 0 0 LF02-458 LF02-149 Ragnar Mana Kaba Waya Homer Naidiri incidence The last national survey of Ratoon stunting disease in 2000 showed that a percentage incidence of 28% of all the sugar cane sectors in Fiji was infected with RSD (Leifsonia xyli subsp.

xyli).

The survey was conducted using phase contrast microscopy and ELISA technique known as Evaporative – binding immuno assay (EB-EIA.)
RSD is a disease that can be managed successfully with the use of clean seed cane production from hot water treated seed bed.

A total area of 4.7 ha of seed cane has been planted as “Mother plots” (primary) with Mana, Kaba, LF91-1925 and a near release variety.

This seed cane will go into “Distribution plots” (secondary) in 2009.

The instalment of a new HWT plant at Rarawai mill will enable us to continue to the clean seed cane programme to other sectors.
is expected that two more installations will be done in 2009 in other mill areas.

It The screening for RSD resistance was not done in 2008 as we were getting false reading from the ELISA Micro-plate Reader.

The sap from the trial is being freezed and will be analysed once the ELISA reader is repaired.

Cane weevil borer Figure 2: Cane weevil exit hole.


Disease Control Cane weevil borer (Rhabdoscelus obscurus, Boisd) is the most serious pest in Fiji’s sugar industry with a 1% POCS loss of cane received at the sugar mills.
Since the inception of the sugar industry, the weevil has been present and is thought to be a beetle species that came through Papua New Guinea via Hawaii during The priority of the Disease Control Unit remained as that of previous years with emphasis on inspection of farms with a history of Fiji leaf gall (FLG) disease incidence as this disease was spreading.
Disease Control for all the four sugar mills continued with vigor, especially on farms with a history of diseases ANNUAL REPORT 2008 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 n o o t a R 0 0 0 0 0 0 3888 0 0 0 0 0 0 3888 23 Table 4: Cane Variety Inspection for 2008 and also farms with plant cane.

The inspection of farms with a history of Fiji leaf gall and downy mildew disease was continued to reduce the possibility of recurrence in the fields.
A total of 7440 hectares of cane were inspected for major diseases and pests of which 612 ha were plant and 6828 ha were ratoon (Table 3).

s e i t e i r a V Table 3: Monthly Disease Inspection Summary – 2008 d e t c e p s n i s m r a f f o .

o N d e t c e p s n i a e r A ) a h ( t n a P l n o o t a R s h t n o M Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No.

of farms inspe cted inspected Area (ha) Plt.

Rat.

Fiji leaf gall stools infected Plt.

Rat.
63 2.05 107.07 420 76.84 586.99 0 0 0 39 572 46.82 739.41 25 128 755 106.58 918.40 May Total 5895 612.40 6828.26 36 3888 The performance of the Disease Control Unit in the Rarawai mill area was encouraging considering the problems of some of our vehicles that were continuously maintained Aiwa Beqa Galoa Homer Kaba Mali Mana Naidiri Ragnar RS* UV* Vatu Waya Total * UV – unapproved, RS – Research.
Mana was the only variety infected with Fiji leaf gall disease.

The varieties Vomo, Yasawa, and Ono were not recorded as being inspected and this may show the non-preference of growers to grow these varieties.
Downy mildew disease (DOM) has been successfully eradicated and not recorded since 1996 but we continue to monitor cane farms that are planting maize near the cane fields in sectors that are prone to downy mildew disease.

leaf gall and ratoon stunting disease Fiji continues to be our major disease.

Fiji leaf gall disease (Fiji disease virus) was found in the Lautoka mill and Rarawai mill area and only on Mana (Table 4).
With vigorous rouging and increased awareness programme, the disease can be kept at manageable levels.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 24 Geographical Information System Status: The GIS’s Drasa Pilot project finally came to an end in late 2008 with the project leader Mr. James Barringer declaring a 93% improvement in the cadastral line and lease parcels.
The project was designed to be a base for the GIS system in the sugar industry thus the project is far from completion in terms of the number of sectors (37) remaining after the 93% completion of Drasa.

A GIS officer has been appointed by SRIF to handle this tedious task that lay ahead for the GIS project of the sugar industry.

Figure 1: Completed Drasa Sector pilot project.


ANNUAL REPORT 2008 25 Information Communication Technology Status: The operation of the ICT infrastructure has been a day-to-day work.

Server maintenance and backup have been regularly carried out.

The connections to all substations are in proper operations except that terminal services cannot connect to the terminal servers (VAX) at FSC from these locations.

Figure 1: SRIF network layout ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Technology Transfer A.
Technology Transfer meetings A total of twenty six (26) meetings was conducted till the end of November 2008.

An average of 30 attended the meetings.

Whilst this number is smaller, the meeting will make an impact on the growers with regards to SRIF’s activities.

Technology transfer meetings were held in all the districts on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

The meetings were organised in key areas with the assistance of the Field Department of FSC.

B.
B.

Meet Individual Growers As part of technology transfer each staff were allocated 25 growers.

The first round of inspection by the staff of respective growers they were allocated involved making an assessment of the reasons why the yields are low if it is indeed low.

The second round involves the staff informing the grower as to what needs to be done to improve the yields in the can farm.
The survey of selected growers’ interviews indicated that the main problems facing the growers were as follows:  Timing of fertilizer delivery  Weed (cost, compatibility and rates)  Drainage (blocked drain, water logging)  Harvesting and transportation (high cost, harvesting quota problems) Labour (cost and availability)  C. Extension Group Meetings Each Extension Officer was assigned 3 to 4 Cane Sectors consisting of around 1,700 active growers.
The group approach was adapted for maximum extension coverage in shortest time possible.

Each Extension Officer’s area of responsibility was divided into groups of 25 to 35 growers.

26 The Extension Officer conducted education and training meetings in each group at least one time in every 12 to 15 weeks.
During the year, the following topics were covered in these meetings;  Establishment of New Cane Crop;  Ratoon Cane Management Practices;  Effective Weed Control in Sugar Cane;  How Weed Killers Works;  Farm Planning and budgeting.

Grower Demonstration Trials (GDT) The conducted Extension Officers demonstration trials in their respective areas.
The following GD Trials were laid; also Intercropping with cane;   Promoting cane variety: LF91/1925 and Naidiri;  Effect of different Herbicides;  Trash Management in Ratoon Cane.

Specialized Advisory Service (SAS) The Extension Officers were required to check and ensure that all growers programmed to plant cane under Accelerated Cane Planting Program were using the best available seed material.
They also provided other services such as soil sampling for fertilizer advisory service, types of herbicides to be used and training on base cane cutting Field Day Successful Field days were held in the following sectors;  Veisaru Sector;  Tagitagi Sector  Natova Sector  Nawaicoba Sector Theme at these Field days was “maximizing farm profitability” through intercropping except at Nawaicoba Sector which was promotion of ANNUAL REPORT 2008  Participating reform FSC organizational structure.
in to the discussions Field operation and 27 cane variety LF91/1925.

Some 50 to 70 growers were in attendance in each Field Day.

Apart from these Field days, mini information days were held to demonstrate the result of Grower Demonstration trials and teaching of skills.

to the four mills Mill Visit Visits hold meeting/discussion with the Field Staff to provide guidance and support in extension matters were done regularly.
A review of extension activities performance was conducted to assist them in their foreword planning.

to Figure 1: TT Meeting in progress Figure 2: Extension Field Day A three–year strategic plan for extension was submitted for consideration for 2008 to 2010.

The plan contained extension goals and action plan.

Extension Training Workshop two Extension Training the year, During Workshops were held for FSC Field and Extension staff.

The workshops were held twice in the year for two days each.
Other Activities SRIF was also involved in the following activities for the sugar industry restructure programme;  Conducting field audit of Accelerated  Cane Replanting Program; Investigating the causes and reasons for lower POCS in cane;  Leading SCOF Sub Committee on Expansion of Cane Perimeter at Labasa Mill area;  Developing cane farm budget as required by the Sugar Industry Task Force;  Reviewing Harvesting & Delivery Trials conducted by SCOF;  Advising on a proposed Mechanical Cane Loading equipment assembly; Figure 3: Grower Demonstration Trial ANNUAL REPORT 2008 28 FIELD ACTIVITES AND CROP PRODUCTION TABLES Rainfall Aug Nov Sept Oct 0.5 48.8 21.6 201.8 111.4 268.0 271.7 0.5 48.8 21.6 201.8 111.4 268.0 271.7 18 16 16 89.6 123.1 189.7 70.3 Dec 10 1 6 Jul Jun May 41.9 41.9 8 5 97.2 64.6 49.5 70.6 Table 1: Rainfall (mm) for all mills from May 2007 to April 2008 Mills Lautoka Mill Monthly Rainfall No.
of raindays 96 years avg.

Rarawai Mill Monthly Rainfall No.

of raindays 119 years avg.

Labasa Mill Monthly Rainfall No.

of raindays 115 years avg.

Penang Mill Monthly Rainfall No.

of raindays 107 years avg.
Jan Feb Mar Apr Total Fertilizer usage The NPK usage (kg/hectare) in all mill areas (2001 – 2009 Crop) is shown in Table 2.
There has been a significant decline in fertilizer usage at all mills in the last five years.

This is mainly due to growers’ reluctance to invest in cane farming due to uncertainty of renewal of cane leases and threat of declining cane price.

Rarawai Labasa Penang All mill avg.
Table 2: N, P, K usage (kg/ha) in all mills (Crop Years 2001 -2008) Mill 2004 Lautoka 2002 2003 2001 Fertilizer N P K N P K N 51.1 8.9 35.4 60.3 12.3 40.9 94.7 68.9 11.9 47.7 72.8 11.6 53.1 87.4 79.0 13.6 56.0 82.5 13.5 58.6 96.5 75.5 13.1 53.8 81.7 14.0 57.5 66.9 P K N P K N P K ANNUAL REPORT Table 3: Area Harvested and amounts of N, P, K used in the Fiji Sugar Industry, 1987 - 2009 crop.
Crop Year Nutrients Applied in Tonnes Proportions 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 N P K N P K Appendix 1 : Main features of 2008 season compared with 2007 Lautoka 2007 2008 Rarawai 2007 2008 Labasa 2007 2008 Penang 2007 2008 All mills 2007 2008 Total registrations Total farm basic allotments (tonnes) Total registered area (hectares) Total area cultivated (hectares) Total area harvested (hectares) Total farm harvest quotas (tonnes) Sugar make actual(tonnes) Tonnes 94 N.T sugar Yield tonnes 94 N.T.sugar per hectare Tonnes cane per tonnes sugar 94 N.T.
%POCS Cane purity average for season Tonnes cane harvested Tonnes cane crushed Open 72747 75656 4.62 9.82 11.25 81.6 741231 739329 Open 72672 77311 5.06 10.07 10.7 81.4 770569 770569 Open 76775 78786 4.66 9.75 11.60 82.3 Open 62117 63954 4.06 10.99 10.8 79.9 Open 207967 217656 4.45 42.59 43.06 80.7 738478 732165 769138 604314 229844 214572 2478691 2321620 740381 732361 769138 604314 229844 214572 2478691 2321816 Open 237418 244555 4.65 10.24 11.19 81.9 Open 21256 21858 4.70 10.80 11.45 83.6 Open 21837 23231 5.28 10.16 10.54 80.8 Open 51341 53160 3.43 11.37 11.02 80.8 Open 66640 68255 4.66 11.20 10.44 80.1 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 30 Appendix 2: Monthly rainfall(mm) for 2008 compared with average since commencement of records (to nearest mm) Mills No.
of years Lautoka 2008 actual Mar Apr May Aug Sept Oct Nov Feb Jun Jan Jul 672.2 292.2 553.5 231.8 117.9 225.9 112.3 121.8 318.5 317.4 183.3 1.1 49.5 70.1 96.6 64.0 26.4 103.3 216.2 119.3 2501.7 89.8 124.6 190.5 1868.1 71.6 99 yrs avg.

to 2006 Dec Total Rarawai 2008 actual Labasa 122 yrs avg.

to 2006 2008 actual 119 yrs avg.


to Penang 2008 actual 110 yrs avg.
to 2006 1240.5 421.9 570.0 200.0 222.1 271.0 104.4 68.2 348.9 415.3 387.4 120.0 18.5 74.6 51.9 92.8 38.3 20.5 381.4 242.3 3383.6 86.1 145.7 151.1 241.1 2530.4 Appendix 3: Crop production details Lautoka 2007 2008 Rarawai 2007 2008 Labasa 2007 2008 Penang 2007 2008 All mills 2007 2008 Areas harvested (hectares) 507 Plant 809 First ratoon 2nd ratoon 777 Other ratoons Total 15266.7 65.7 59.8 55.9 49.1 50.5 65.6 58.6 50.5 43.5 45.3 3.1 4.9 4.7 87.2 100.0 4.3 3.4 4.7 87.6 100.0 16891 16376 Proportion of crop harvested according to area 5.8 Plant 9.4 First ratoon 2nd ratoon 5.8 79.1 Other ratoons 100.0 Total Yield tonnes per hectare harvested 55.4 Plant 51.6 First ratoon 47.7 2nd ratoon 41.6 Other ratoons Average yield/ha 43.7 Main varieties crushed according to tonnes (%) 0.4 Ragnar Aiwa 0.5 Beqa Galoa Kaba Mali Mana Naidiri Vatu Waya LF91-1925 Expt./Others Total ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Appendix 4: Rainfall (mm) at mill centres Mill Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang For 12 months ended 31st December 2004 2007 2005 2006 1489 1960 1568 1573 1580 1745 1803 1516
 1844.0 2162.1 2152.7 1824.0 2362.7 2805.3 2786.2 2618.0 31 2008 2501.7 3020.4 2448.1 3383.6 Appendix 5: Rainfall distribution affecting 2008 crop(mm) Month Jul'07 Lautoka Rarawai For 12 months ended 30th September 2004 2005 2007 2006 1670 2393 1731 1927 1281 1328 1411 1330 1923.8 2110.8 2452.2 1775.7 2054.1 2663.0 2207.6 1991.0 Labasa Penang ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Period Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Aug'07 Sep'07 Oct'07 Nov'07 Dec'07 Jan'08 Feb'08 Mar'08 Apr'08 May'08 Jun'08 Jul'08 Appendix 5: Rainfall distribution affecting 2008 crop(mm) Cont’d Rarawai Month Lautoka Labasa Penang Aug'08 Sep'08 Oct'08 Nov'08 Dec'08 Period Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late 70.6
22.3 14.6 5.0 0.9 19.2 45.7 316.5 100.2 71.5 70.6 4587.4 Total Early - 1st to 10th of the month Mid - 11th to 20th of the month Late - 21st to end of the month 3424.2 Appendix 6: Hectares harvested Mills Average for period of five seasons 1986/90 1981/85 1991/95 Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All mills Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total 1996/00 2944 19701 22645 3164 14613 17777 2597 18348 20945 1120 4674 5794 9825 57336 67161 2001/05 1042 19730 20772 1055 17585 18640 1269 15911 17180 542 4568 5110 3908 57794 61702 Last five seasons individually Appendix 7 : Tonnes of cane harvested Mills Average for period of five seasons 1986/90 1981/85 1048942 1254266 1006366 984244 1015166 980634 332592 310406 3403066 3529550 2001/05 1991/95 1996/00 971454 1283569 1216597 878509 1017374 957507 840388 1166055 1017061 239044 309205 3758204 3500370 2929395 291206 Last five seasons individually Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All mills ANNUAL REPORT 2008 33 Appendix 8 : Tonnes of cane per hectare harvested Average for period of five seasons Mills 1986/90 1981/85 1991/95 1996/00 2001/05 Lautoka Plt Rtn Total Labasa Rarawai Plt
 Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total Plt Rtn Total All Mills Penang Last five seasons individually Appendix 9 : Hectares harvested in relation to registered area and cultivated area (ha) Mills 2008 hectares (A) Hectares harvested as % various categories "A" Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang Total Registered (1) Cultivated (2) 27745.9 23229.1 19681.6 10918 81574.6 17552.5 20402.5 18113.0 5100.7 61168.7 Harvested 15266.7 15722.1 14635.6 4402.8 50027.2 (1) (2) 55.0 67.7 74.4 40.3 61.3 Appendix 10 : Plant cane harvested as percentage of total area harvested Mills Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All mills Rough average for period of five seasons 1981/85 1986/90 1991/95 1996/00 2001/05 Last five seasons individually Appendix 11: Plant and ratoon yields and percentage of total area harvested - 2008 Crop First ratoon Mills tc/ha Other ratoons tc/ha Plant tc/ha % Area % Area % Area All cane tc/ha % Area Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All Mills 65.7 57.9 47.2 53.9 54.6 4.3 6 10.7 7.6 6.4 59.7 55.5 50.7 49.8 53.8 8.1 6 8.5 9.2 5.7 49.1 45.2 40.2
 48.1 44.4 87.6 88.0 80.8 83.2 87.9 50.5 46.6 38.9 48.7 45.6 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 34 Appendix 12 : Seasonal %POCS in cane Mills Rough average for period of five seasons 1981/85 1986/90 1991/95 1996/00 Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All Mill Avg.
12.19 12.12 12.20 12.28 12.15 12.00 12.09 12.37 12.15 12.27 12.50 12.90 12.12 12.59 12.51 11.42 11.35 11.07 11.13 11.24 2001/05 2005 2006 Last five seasons individually Lautoka Appendix 13: Weekly POCS in cane 2008 season Week ending Week no.
Season Average Rarawai Labasa Penang ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Appendix 14 : Sugar produced (tonnes 94 N.T.
equivalent) from area harvested 35 Mills Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All mills Tonnes sugar 94 N.T equivalent Appendix 15 : Sugar per hectare harvested (tonnes 94 N.T equivalent) Mills Average for period of five seasons 1986/90 1981/85 1991/95 2001/05 Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang Average 5.97 6.38 6.20 6.34 6.21 6.55 6.36 6.20 5.70 6.28 6.15 6.29 6.00 5.47 6.05 1996/00 5.61 5.61 4.95 5.42 5.39 Last five seasons individually Appendix 16 : Length of season (weeks) - Start and finish of crushing (date) Mills Rough average for period of five seasons 1996/200 1981/85 1986/9 0 1991/9 5 0 2001/05 Last five seasons individually 2004 2006 2005 29.3 28.8 28.0 29.7 27.6 26.4 26.2 25.3 26.5 24.2 28.1 Jun 22 Jan 04 23.9 Jun 16 25.6 Jun 07 Dec 03 20.9 32.4 Jun 05 Jan 11 30.8 Jun 01 May 31 Jan 01 25.2 Jun 22 Dec 01 Oct 25 29.1 Jun 06 Jun 01 Dec 08 Dec 15 Dec 25 21.4 29.0 19.5 18.3 Jun 28 2007 2008 23.9 24.0 Jun 07 Jun 10 Nov 18 Nov 21 23.8 25.7 June 23 Jun 18 Nov 18 Dec 15 26.0 29.1 Jun 30 Jun 06 Dec 25 Dec 22 22.2 22.1 Jun 06 20.4 Jul 06 Jun 11 Jun 20 Nov 20 Nov 11 Nov 16 Nov 06 Nov 13 24.5 28.4 24.8 24.2 23.5 27.9 26.6 29.4 30.7 28.1 25.5 21.5 26.2 24.1 All mills 28.4 26.8 26.1 28.2 24.1 LS Lautoka LS Rarawai LS Labasa LS Penang Appendix 17 : Varietals performance Varieties Percent of hectares harvested Rarawai Lautoka 2007 2007 2008 2008 Labasa 2007 2008 Penang 2007 2008 All Mills 2007 2008 Ragnar Waya Mali Homer Spartan Galoa Aiwa ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Appendix 17 : Varietals performance Cont’d Varieties Percent of hectares harvested Rarawai Lautoka 2007 2007 2008 2008 36 Labasa 2007 2008 Penang 2007 2008 All Mills 2007 2008 Ono Yasawa Vomo Mana LF 91 - 1925 Kaba Vatu Beqa Naidiri Exp.
Other var.
Appendix 18 : Planting - areas Mills Hectares planted (A) A as percentage of area cultivated A as percentage of registered area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 848 611 881 Lautoka Rarawai 1078 1344 1096 Labasa Penang Total Lautoka Rarawai Varieties Ragnar Ragnar Ragnar Appendix 19: Planting - varieties (percentage of total area planted) Year 2006 2007 2008 2006 Waya 2007 Waya 2008 Waya 2006 Mana 2007 Mana 2008 Mana Galoa 2006 Galoa 2007 Galoa 2008 Vatu 2006 Vatu 2007 2008 Vatu 2006 Mali 2007 Mali 2008 Mali Aiwa 2006 Aiwa 2007 Aiwa 2008 0.8 - 0.4 - - - 85.0 90.8 93.5 0.8 0.2 0.1 - - - - - - 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 1.9 1.3 - 85.9 88.8 91.2 - - - - - - - - - - - - Labasa Penang All mills 7.2 6.9 8.4 3.4 5.4 7.1 - - 6.1 4.4 7.7 9.9 7.5 7.6 6.9 6.6 9.8 0.4 0.2 0.4 - - - 84.8 84.8 - - - - 0.2 0.2 - - 2.4 3.0 1.7 2.6 60.8 51.4 1.9 1.9 2.8 3.2 2.0 2.8 0.2 0.2 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 37 Appendix 19: Planting - varieties (percentage of total area planted) Year 2006 2007 2008 Varieties Beqa Beqa Beqa 0.6 1.0 0.1 Rarawai Lautoka - - - 2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 Kaba Kaba Kaba Naidiri Naidiri Naidiri LF-91-1925 LF91-1925 O/Varieties O/Varieties O/Varieties 6.4 3.9 2.7 4.4 2.3 2.2 0.3 1.5 1.3 6.0 5.8 5.4 5.2 2.4 2.1 - 0.4 0.5 1.5 0.8 Labasa Penang All mills - 0.1 - - 0.1 0.3 65.3 68.1 57.7 0.7 0.7 0.9 - - - - 15.0 15.0 - - 0.1 0.3 3.5 2.3 23.8 31.6 0.7 0.7 Total Tonnes % of Total Appendix 20 : Cane transport in Fiji (tonnes of cane harvested and actual method of delivery) Road transport direct Mills to mill carrier Tonnes Winch trailer or lorry to mainline
 Tonnes % of Total Delivered line Tonnes % of Total % of Total portable Year Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang All mills ANNUAL REPORT Appendix 21: Percentage burnt cane of total tonnes crushed 38 Year Lautoka Rarawai Labasa Penang Average 16.0
ANNUAL REPORT Approved Varieties 39 Sugarcane varieties approved for planting during 2003 are: - Mana, Aiwa, Beqa, Galoa, Kaba, Mali, Ragnar, Vatu, Yasawa, Waya, Spartan, Ono, Vomo, Homer, Naidiri and LF91-1925.
Varieties are recommended to growers based on their soil type, giving a choice of at least three varieties as laid down in the Master Award.
Lautoka Sector Olosara Cuvu Lomawai Yako Soil Rich alluvial soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Nawaicoba Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Flat : Fertile soil Medium soils Poor soils Rich alluvial soils Medium soils Poor soils Malolo Qeleloa Meigunyah Flat : Fertile soils Legalega Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Variety Ragnar, Yasawa, Aiwa, Beqa, Vomo, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mana, Mali, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Kaba, Vomo, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa,Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Kaba, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Kaba, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu,Aiwa,Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa,Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri,
 LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Galoa, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Lautoka Sector Natova Lautoka Saweni Lovu Drasa Rarawai Sector Varoko Mota Naloto Sector Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Sandy soils Soil Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils 40 Sector Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Vomo, Aiwa, Beqa,Kaba,Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa,Mana, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Kaba, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Mana,Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Variety Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali,
 Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Rarawai Sector Koronubu Veisaru Rarawai Varavu Tagitagi Yaladro Drumasi Labasa Sector Waiqele Wailevu Vunimoli 41 Soil Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Salt affected areas Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Salt affected areas Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Salt affected areas Variety Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Aiwa, Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Spartan, Aiwa, Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Ragnar, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Waya, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Ragnar, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mali, Mana, Waya, Vatu, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Kaba, Mana, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Soil Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Saline soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Variety
 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa,Beqa,Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Galoa, Vatu, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 42 Soil Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Saline soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Saline soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Saline soils Flat : Fertile soils Medium soils Poor soils Poor soils Variety Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Galoa, Vatu, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Waya, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Waya, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Galoa, Waya, Vatu, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91- 1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Waya, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Kaba, Waya, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Galoa, Waya, Vatu, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Yasawa, Vomo, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Spartan, Kaba, Mali, Waya, Aiwa, Beqa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mali, Galoa, Waya, Vatu, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ragnar, Mali, Ono, Kaba, Aiwa, Beqa, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Labasa Sector Labasa Bucaisau Wainikoro Daku Seqaqa Penang Sector Soil Variety Nanuku Flat : Fertile soils Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Medium soils Waya, Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Poor soils Waya, Mana, Kaba, Mali, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Salt affected areas Mana, Kaba, Galoa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Viti Vanua area Mana, Kaba, Mali,
 Ragnar, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Malau Rich alluvial soils Medium soils Poor soils Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Waya, Ragnar, Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Mana, Kaba, Mali, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Ellington I & II Salt affected areas Galoa, Kaba, Mana, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Flat : Fertile soils Ragnar, Yasawa, Vatu, Aiwa, Beqa, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Medium soils Waya, Ragnar, Kaba, Mali, Vatu, Beqa, Aiwa, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Poor soils Mana, Kaba, Mali, Homer, Naidiri, LF91-1925 Salt affected areas Galoa, Mana, Kaba, Naidiri, LF91-1925 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 43 CROP IMPROVEMENT Solomone Tusasa, Aven Lal, Ajay Anand Prasad, Jonetani Talemaitoga CROP PROTECTION Bhaskaran Pillay, Naleen Krishna, Raj Kumar D., Dhirendra Chand Rao, Ashok Kumar, Mukesh Kumar DISEASE CONTROL UNIT Vijay Nand Sharma, Dinesh Dutt, Permal Samy, Manoj Dutt, Vijay Dutt, Shalend Naidu, Avinesh Sami, Isireli Qio, Ramesh Chand, Surindar Singh, Kamal Nabi, Ashwin Prasad, Chandar Segran Pillay, Semesa Navara, Raja Ram, Serevi Nauvi, Krishan Chandra, Log Nadan, Mosese Turaga, Rahimat Ali, Rajendra Prasad, Rohil Datt Ram, Subhash Chand, Surendra Kumar, Suruj Kumar, Madho, Pushp chand, Arvind Mani, Satendra Singh.
ESTABLISHMENT/SECURITY Jai Ram Mudaliar, Shiu Nadan, Tarun Sami, Ram Kumar, Aporosa Rasavul SRIF Employees MANAGEMENT STAFF STAFF Jai Gawander – Chief Executive Officer Hemraj Mangal - Manager Extension Services Sanjay N Prakash - Finance & Admin Manager Prema N Naidu - Research Officer Saimone Johnson - Senior Scientific Officer Ashween N Ram - Senior Scientific Officer Matrishwa C Rao - Scientific Officer Desmond V Kumar - Scientific Officer Jeetendra Patel - Scientific Officer Pedro N B Rounds - Scientific Officer Amit R Singh - Scientific Officer Nemani Soli - Technical Officer Karuna Garan - Technical Officer Rajendra Krishna - Technical Officer Abhinesh Chand – Extension Officer Shiva Ram – Extension Officer Devendra Sharma – Extension Officer Ronil Prasad – Extension Officer Josese Lomani – Extension Officer Satye Raj – Extension Officer Rajendran Kumaran – Extension Officer Parmen Barma – Extension Officer Shireen Lata – Extension Officer Rajnesh Prasad – Extension Officer Atish Chand – Extension Officer Farzana Bhamgi – Extension Officer Maika Toga – Extension Officer Nitika Natasha – Corporate assistant Ronal Kumar – Junior Corporate Officer Jainesh Ram – Technical Assistant Samuel Work - Technical Field Assistant CLERKS AND SUPERVISORS Meena Nair – Administrative Assistant Maciu Tale - Technical Field Assistant Monika Lal - Lab Technician Muni Sangeeta Gounder - Lab Technician SUPPORT STAFF CROP MANAGEMENT Ilimeleki Katuba, Kailash Kumar H., Subram Naidu, Navin Reddy, Raj Kumar, Suresh Mani, Sat Narayan, Lachman, Hans Ram ANNUAL REPORT 2008 44 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Consolidated Estate Report 45 The vision of Sugar Research Institute is to transform all our Estates into a model farm by increasing yields and reducing cost.
This vision can only be achieved if proper and timely cane management practices are followed plus the automation of activities and assuming the weather is favorable.

Drasa Estate During the year efforts were made to control weeds inside and around the cane fields, upgrading drains and increase cane planting.

Some success was achieved.

The total contract area was 163.1 hectares, total available area was 126.9 hectares and area under cane was 114.8 hectares.
All cultivation, fertilization and harvesting was given out on contract.

Approximately 2.3% (2.7ha) of total area was used for trial planting whilst the rest was used for commercial cane planting.

A total of 6.0 hectares was under plant crop and 6.1 was fallow.

Because of adverse weather conditions all the fallow area was not planted.

Total cane harvested at Drasa Estate in 2008 season was 7118 tonnes from an area of 114.8 hectares with a yield of 62 tpha.
The production of cane per hectare decreased from 70.1tpha in 2007 to 62tpha in 2008 which was an 11.6% decrease in cane yield.

Early in the season 3 cyclones were experienced whilst 2 cyclones struck the Fiji Islands (Daman 05–09 Dec 07 and Gene 28–29 Jan 08) cyclone Funa went past the Fiji group.

The crop was badly shaken by the strong winds and heavy suckering was visible.

It was likely that chemical fertilizer would have leached because of the flooding.
Above average rainfall was received during the months of January to May 08 (2019mm).

The decline in yield was attributed to three cyclones with heavy flooding that caused lodging, heavy suckering, and fertilizer leaching and soil compaction.

In some fields, uprooting of stools caused by mechanical harvesting was evident.

During the 2008 season a total of 2691mm of rainfall was received and this was 112mm less compared with 2007 season (2803mm).
Table below shows the production figures for the last five years Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Tonnes 7017 8245 8225 7343 7118 Ha 105.0 105.7 113.5 104.8 114.8 Yield 66.8 78.0 72.5 70.1 62.0 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Waqadra Estate 46 Waqadra Estate has a total registered area of 85.0 ha of which 20.1 ha is unaccounted for.

The total area available for cane production is 64.9 ha with farm basic allotment of 4126 tonnes.
The area is comprised mainly with rich alluvial soil with uneven distribution of latosols in elevated blocks.

The cane production for year 2008 was 4252 tonnes from 59.3 ha (71.6 tpha) whereas 4150 tonnes was cut and delivered to the mill from an area of 57.2 ha giving a yield of 72.5 tpha.

A total of 102 tonnes was used as seed cane for planting at Estate, seed cane to growers and trials and lost to poor harvesting and rejected cane.
The table below gives a summary of the production in terms of cane produced in 2008.

Table 1.0 Cane production in terms of research and commercial.
Crop Tonnes tc/ha Commercial Hac Tonnes Total Hac Tonnes tc/ha Research Hac 4.5 3.5 0.8 6.9 15.7 Plant 1R 2R OR Total 224 142 30 636 1031 50 41 37 92 66 6.2 - 7.72 29.7 43.7 230 - 717 2274 3221 10.7 37 3.5 - 8.5 93 76 36.6 74 59.33 454 142 747 2910 4252 tc/ha 42 41 88 79 72 Figure 1 below illustrates the distribution of rain experienced in the 2007-2008 season.

The extensive rain during the growth period (Jan08-Apr08) affected the yield of the crop and affected drainage also.
Table 2.0: Production for the past nine years.
2000 48.4 2528 52.2 AUC (ha) Production (t) Yield (tpha) ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Nadi Estate 2007-2008 Rainfall0200400600MonthsRainfall02468101214161820Raindays#REF!RainfallRaindays#REF!1Rainfall596181135262.5269511.0517.2294.2210.0204.067.070.40.023.1100.0132.0Raindays315510918161088520436 Jul 07 Aug 07 Sept 07 Oct 07 Nov 07 Dec 07Jan 08Feb 08Mar 08Apr 08May 08Jun 08Jul 08Aug 08Sept 08Oct 08Nov 08 47 This Estate has potential of achieving cane yield of 100-120 tpha.
To achieve this, best management practices have been put to practice with timely operations, replanting and planting of old uneconomical ratoons.

However the cost of production increased due to the rise in material and hires of services costs and weed control influenced by rainy weather.

Other crucial elements such as drainage and damage of stubbles by mechanical harvesters, rejected cane and loss of cane due to poor operations will be monitored next season to minimize the effect on production.
Figure 2.0 Varietal composition and disposition – Nadi Estate 2007.

Rarawai Estate Cane Production in 2008 Season Total production (tonnes) Total Area(ha) 4400 74.5 Tonnes cane /ha 59 Tonnes Burnt/green 2206 2194 The increase in burnt cane penalties is due to frequent breakdown of the mill in the beginning of the season which resulted in high burnt cane later in the season.

In order to increase the yield, a total of 14 ha have been planted.
The plant crop was irrigated to ensure good germination .Timely cultivation was carried out in all the fields to reduce weeds .Chemical and manual weed control was also carried out in most of the fields .Fertilizer was applied as per fertilizer recommendations on the basis of soil analysis results.

Drainage was improved in the fields which had water logging.
ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Variety Disposition 2008Ha 2.1Ha 4.7Ha 1.3Ha 24.13Ha 5.5Ha 5.52Ha 16.14 %8 %2 %41 %9 %9 %27 %0.010.020.030.040.050.0RagnarKabaBeqaNaidiriAiwaLF91-1925O/VarVarieties%Ha%482419927Ha2.14.71.324.15.55.516.1RagnarKabaBeqaNaidiriAiwaLF91-1925O/Var 48 At the close of the financial year for 2008 the production cost was reduced to $28/t.

Further reduction in production cost could have been done if the harvesting was not affected by poor factory performance.
Penang Estate The Penang Estate has a land area of approximately 4.1ha which is the smallest of our estates.

The estate has the capacity of producing above 400 tons of cane i.e.

100 tons per hectare if there is favorable weather condition.

During the 2008 harvesting season 336.60 tons of cane was harvested while 19 tons of cane was harvested for seed cane sold to the farmers.
In total 355.60 tons of cane was harvested from Penang estate with a yield of 88.9 tons per hectare All cane was harvested green and trash was maintained throughout the estate farm.

Trash retention had effectively controlled the re- immergence of itch grass and reduced a major cost in weed control.

Flooding of the fields as a result of the cyclones had a disastrous effect on the yields during the rainy season.
Labasa Estate Labasa estate has 38.0 ha total area available for cane planting and has a farm basic allotment of 3125 tonnes.

All estate land is been used for commercial cane farming.

The estate land is very flat and low lying.

A total of 2807.4 mm of rainfall was received in 2008.

Very similar rainfall was also recorded last year.

Continued rain and flash flooding during the first quarter of the year together with three cyclones hindered fertilization, weeding and rest of the cultivation work.
As the result of flooding gaps in the fields are visible thus giving lower yields to our crops.

Cultivation work was mostly done by machine.

Integrated system of weed control was also practiced.
The amount of nutrients applied to a hectare of cane was 120 kg N, 22kg P, and 90 kg K. Total production for the estate was 1232 tonnes of cane with a yield of 54.0 tpha, which was all time low since the institute took over the estate in 2003 due three cyclones, flooding, wet fields, leaching of fertilizer and late harvesting since we did not have any contractor to harvest the cane.

Four thousand meters of drains was dug that was year marked for cleaning and deepening.
Area Table Production history for last five years Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 25.0 36.2 29.4 33.6 22.8 Tonnes Yield (tpha) 1573 3210 1914 2285 1232 62.9 88.8 65.0 68.0 54.0 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 74 CORPORATE INFORMATION Mail Address P.O.Box 3560 Lautoka, Fiji Islands Telephone : (679) 666 1839 Facsimile : (679) 666 1082 Bankers Westpac Banking Corporation Lautoka, Fiji Islands Solicitors Yash Law Lautoka, Fiji Islands Auditors KPMG Lautoka, Fiji Islands e-mail: info@srif.org.fj ANNUAL REPORT 2008 SUGAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF FIJI Copyright © Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, 2008.
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