Opening of the new Sugar Research Institute Chemistry laboratory in Labasa

The newly established Sugar Research Institute (SRIF) chemistry laboratory in Labasa was commissioned by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sugar Industry, Mr. Yogesh Karan, on 12^th March, 2020.

Through this facility, SRIF will conduct soil and leaf analysis, chemical analysis on soil for pH, Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K) while leaf samples are analyzed for fertilizer recommendation in ratoon cane. The laboratory will allow SRIF to analyze over 500 soil samples annually with a turnaround time of two to three weeks as compared to previous capability of analyzing an average of 420 soil samples with turnaround time of two to six weeks when analysis results is disseminated back to the farmers.

In his address, Mr. Karan mentioned that this laboratory will act as a link between the growers and the industry to provide fertilizer advisory services to the growers and further analytical services required for research projects within the institute. The services will be provided at no cost to the growers, therefore; the Permanent Secretary encouraged cane growers in Vanua Levu to utilize this facility to get their soil tested and to know the true health status of the soil.

The opening of this chemistry laboratory is part of and a realization of the SRIF strategies to improve and provide better services to the cane growers through better research and analysis, which in effect is accomplishing the overall objective of growing the sugar industry.