Upsurge in fires in northern cane fields

Upsurge in fires in the northern cane fields

Aret bril kann! This is the message once again launched by Agriterra, the cane division of the Terra group, in the face of an increase in cases of fire in cane fields during this cutting season. Whether of accidental origin or intended to facilitate the stripping of stems, these fires constitute a growing challenge for the sugar industry, the environment and can also harm public health. Agriterra wishes to raise awareness among growers and the public of the risks associated with fires in cane fields. As of September 2024, Agriterra has processed 51,048 tonnes of burned cane, representing 10% of the total volume, compared to an average of 5% between 2021 and 2023. The fires affect public health, releasing huge amounts of CO2, destroying the local biodiversity and can represent a risk to human life. Indeed, the situation is particularly alarming, because residents must be evacuated when fires approach their homes, as was the case for residents of the village of Bon Espoir, in the North. Furthermore, burned straw cannot be used as biomass, thus affecting the production of renewable energy. “This practice also impacts production, notably with poor clarification of the juice and syrup, a deterioration in the quality of intermediate products, a slowdown in crystallization, as well as a lengthening of boiling cycles, difficulties in centrifugation and a loss of sugar,” explains Sébastien Mamet, director of Agriterra. After the success of Operation Aret Bril Kann in 2021, carried out in partnership with the police force, firefighters and the Mauritius Cane Institute Authority, Agriterra decided to relaunch the campaign in order to strengthen the commitment of stakeholders in the sector to counter this issue. “By preserving our crops without resorting to burning, we protect public health and the environment, while maximizing the quality of our harvests. By modernizing our agricultural methods, we are taking a step forward towards more responsible and sustainable agriculture,” concludes Sébastien Mamet.