The recent reforms undertaken by Fiji’s Sugar Industry will soon be diversified into ethanol production and power generation says Ministry of Sugar permanent secretary Mr Manasa Vaniqi.
Mr Vaniqi said ethanol fuel can be made from sugar cane which can be used to replace the use of gasoline in vehicles while processing cane bagasse produces biogas which can be used to generate electricity.
“We have been producing raw sugar alone for more than a hundred years and it is about time we diversify into other bi-products like making ethanol and creating power from cane biogases,” Mr Vaniqi said.
Mr Vaniqi said the recommendation to diversify into bi-products came about as result of reforms in the Fiji Sugar Industry also known as the 2013-2017 Sugar Cane Industry Strategic Action Plan replacing the New Zealand based Deloitte Report.
“Through diversifying into other cane bi-products we will not be relying solely on sugar,” he added.
Mr Vaniqi highlighted that the Ministry has already undertaken awareness on plans for the production of fuel from sugarcane bi-products in the sugar cane belt of Fiji.
“Awareness programs on the issues have been conducted in Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka and Nadroga where farmers were explained about ethanol production and producing power biogas which will be sold to the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA),” Mr Vaniqi said.
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