FSC Introduces High-Sugar and Saline-Tolerant Sugarcane Varieties

Lautoka, Fiji- The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd (FSC) has taken a significant step toward enhancing sugarcane productivity and climate resilience by developing and promoting location-specific varieties with very high sugar content and tolerance to saline conditions.

For the first time, FSC has successfully multiplied seed material of the Beqa variety in its estates and select farmer fields, using breeder seed sourced from the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF). Recognising the potential of high-sugar and early-maturing varieties like Beqa, FSC took the initiative in 2022 to request SRIF’s support in rejuvenating and reviving these valuable varieties. This effort has now come to fruition with the multiplication of breeder seed supplied by SRIF in 2024 across FSC’s estates in Rarawai and Nadi.

FSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Bhan Singh, emphasised the corporation’s commitment to innovation and industry resilience:

“Our focus is on ensuring that farmers have access to the best varieties suited to Fiji’s unique conditions. The introduction of Beqa and Galoa marks a significant milestone in FSC’s efforts to enhance productivity and address climate challenges. These varieties will not only improve yield but also strengthen the sustainability of the sugar industry.”

Among Fiji’s 19 approved sugarcane varieties, Beqa stands out as the highest sugar-yielding variety. SRIF data confirms that Beqa can achieve a yield of 110 tonnes per hectare with a sugar content (brix) 5% higher than the Mana variety. The reintroduction of this variety is expected to be a game changer for the sugar industry, with FSC set to further multiply and distribute the seed material in the upcoming planting season from April to July.

To facilitate widespread adoption, FSC has implemented a two-tier seed nursery programme and will introduce a seed agreement among seed producers to ensure effective multiplication. In the initial stage, farmers will receive the seed material at no additional cost, while FSC’s long-term plan includes spreading the variety to all sectors to enable farmers to share and transport seed material among themselves. SRIF and FSC will continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the Beqa variety to ensure optimal results.

In parallel, FSC is proactively addressing climate change challenges by promoting saline-tolerant varieties such as Galoa. Over the past two years, FSC has multiplied Galoa seed material across all three mills with breeder seed support from SRIF. Given the increasing issue of seawater intrusion and rising soil salinity, FSC has identified Galoa as a critical variety for sugarcane farming in coastal and flood-prone regions.

To showcase the benefits of these varieties, FSC hosted a Farmers’ Day on March 14 at Mr Reshmir Singh’s residence in the Legalega-Meigunyah sector, Nadi. The event saw the active participation of 15 farmers and SRIF scientists, who provided detailed insights into the advantages of Beqa and Galoa.

FSC’s Head of Agriculture, Lakshman Jayaraman, highlighted the importance of adopting new varieties to improve long-term yields:

“The Beqa and Galoa varieties provide an opportunity for farmers to increase their sugarcane production despite environmental challenges. By working closely with SRIF, FSC is ensuring that farmers have access to high-yield and resilient varieties, ultimately strengthening the industry as a whole,” said Mr Jayaraman.

Farmers interested in acquiring Beqa and Galoa seed material are encouraged to contact their respective FSC sector offices. However, availability is currently limited and intended strictly for further multiplication.

With these strategic efforts, FSC continues to advance Fiji’s sugar industry by introducing high-yield, climate-resilient sugarcane varieties, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved productivity for farmers.

Bhan Pratap Singh

Chief Executive Officer

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