Koro Island earns $13 million annually as gross value from agriculture activities, through production of dalo, cassava, and kava, says Ministry of Agriculture Acting Chief Economist, Sera Bose.
Speaking at the opening of the first agriculture buyer-supplier engagement event on the island, Ms Bose said dalo was one of Fiji’s top agriculture exports raking in around $20m annually.
The direct engagement opportunity was organised by Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) and Fiji’s longest serving courier company, CDP Courier Services Ltd, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of I- Taukei Affairs, the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Fiji and Save the Children Fiji.
A media statement from MDF highlighted that the aim of the pilot event was to strengthen direct networks between farmers and buyers as well as explore potential sourcing opportunities and logistic solutions for transporting agricultural products to market.
As one of the main producers of quality dalo for exports, Ms Bose commended farmers on Koro Island for this achievement, highlighting that they were not only contributing positively to enhancing their family income, but also to growing the economy.
“I understand this is the first, for this kind of event, where market is brought directly to doorsteps of suppliers or farmers.
“This opportunity allows farmers to engage directly with the market. Therefore, I urge you all, our farmers in Koro, to make use of this occasion to enhance your knowledge on available markets and how you can maximise its use to increase your income,” she said.
She said encouraging market access for farmers would contribute to achieving commercialisation of Fiji’s agriculture sector and improving sustainable rural livelihood which were key highlights of the Ministry of Agriculture’s vision and mission.
Fiji’s agriculture sector supports more than 70,000 farming households and contributes approximately 10 per cent towards the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The event was attended by more than 200 farmers from 14 villages on Koro Island who met representatives from prominent agricultural processing, exporting and seed supplier companies in Nasau Village last week (Tuesday 15 March.
During the event it was also acknowledged by the ministry that supply chains linking farmers to buyers and agricultural logistics service providers remained an immense challenge, especially for those living in outer island communities such as on Koro.
One of the main organisers of the event, CDP Courier Services Ltd said the event also provided the opportunity to address the lack of dedicated agriculture logistics services in Fiji that offered tailored transport and pricing for agri-business. “CDP has experience in providing agricultural services for many farmers and businesses throughout Fiji for over 40 years.
“Our strength is our proven delivery network both domestically and internationally,” said company’s chief executive officer Rajnil Singh.
“We look forward to understanding the requirements of the buyers and sellers to offer efficient and reliable solutions for both Koro farmers and business to successfully trade.
“We are grateful to MDF and our development partners who have made this possible,” he said.
According to the media statement said CDP owns a fleet of 140 trucks that operate across Fiji, and recognises the potential to provide transport and storage solutions for the growing agricultural industry.
The Turaga Ni Koro of Mudu Village, Iliesa Butuivalu, said the event was very useful as it was the first time for many farmers on the island to meet directly with buyers.
“In the meeting, we heard about other things like bongo chilli and other markets.
“We’ve got plenty cassava here, and we have bongo chilli with no market.
“Food Processors Ltd are buying these things, and we’ve talked to them.
“So, I can go back to my village and explain to them that there are these other items you can sell,” said Mr Butuivalu.
Food Processors Ltd that was at the event exports agricultural value-added products to markets such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
According to the company’s sales representative, Rohit Prasad, this was the first time they’ve travelled to Koro.
“This will help our supply chain.
“We are developing a chilli sauce from Lomaiviti and are targeting locals and we’re also looking at markets overseas. So, for that we will need fresh chilis from here,” Mr Prasad said.
“This is a very, very good initiative and we are looking forward to more and going to more islands and see what potential is there with the farmers.”
Companies that travelled to Koro for the buyer- supplier event included Fiji Kava, Garden City Export and Import Pte Ltd, Food Processors Ltd, Copra Millers of Fiji Ltd, and KK’s Hardware.
Similar buyer-supplier events are planned around the country in the coming months.
