FARMERS are receiving more money for crops such as dalo, cocoa and ginger through contracts set up by the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC).
According to FCLC chairman Simon Cole, the heads of commodity associations reported increased prices for these crops and opening of more potential markets.
“The ginger price has gone up by 15 per cent through contracts set up by FCLC to benefit the farmers. Dried cocoa has increased to $10 a kilo. Yaqona farmers are still experiencing a boom, but the yaqona association is very aware that farmers will need to continue to pay attention to the quality of their product as well as develop new markets to maintain their momentum,” Mr Cole said.
He added it was the right time of the year to easily grow and supply crops such as tomatoes, capsicum, lettuce and cabbage to the tourism industry.
“Although prices may be lower because of the increased supply, farmers are able to provide the best quality in the cooler months.”
The coconut growers association has also reported that the price of copra meal was increasing and the government-led program had resulted in many farmers planting more trees, which was “essential” for such a long-term commodity.
According to FCLC, the heads of the associations were proactive in providing assistance for members and were working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr Cole said this work was linked with the mobile phone app that was being developed by FCLC for the members of its associations.
“We will be able to use the app to ask the farmers if they are planting more or less than at the same time the year before. From this, we will be able to predict an increase in production in the coming months, and won’t have to wait for prices to fall to discover that we have planted too much and the market has collapsed,” he said.
FCLC is comprised of 14 registered commodity associations.
