Sugarcane Research in Barbados and Its Costs and Benefits

New varieties are constantly being evaluated and introduced, An overview of the organisation of sugarcane agronomic research in Barbados is given in the context of its constraints and opportunities. The research programme has been made substantially more cost effective by the reorganisation of the variety testing component. This paper describes how the work is conducted. Using certain assumptions, an estimate is made of the dollar value of the benefits obtained. Current net annual expenditure amounts to about Bds$320 000, while the benefits to the sugar lrdusiry by the app!ication of the research findings can be expected to exceed a million dollars annually. The main reasons for the relatively low cost are appropriate mechanisation and the contracting out of certain labour intensive aspects of the programme, such as raising seedlings and transplants. Note: All prices are in Barbados dollars. Bds$1,00 = US$0,50