FIJI’s agriculture sector must be market-driven by implementing targeted incentives that boost growth, says Ra Cowpeas Farms chairman and New Valley Cluster Group member Maciu Navakasuasua.
During the national budget consultation at the Lautoka Girmit Centre last week, Mr Navakasuasua urged all mission diplomatic officers abroad, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Asia and Europe to actively be involved in market research, identifying what agricultural produce were in demand there and where the opportunities were available.
“Let’s give our farmers and exporters the opportunity to visit these markets, build relationships and understand, first-hand, the requirements of international buyers,” he said.
He said Fiji’s ambassadors and High Commissioners were strategically placed in those regions.
“For example, our ambassador in the UAE is already opening doors to high-end niche markets.
“This is commendable, and we need more of this kind of engagement.
“I propose the establishment of a central database that outlines global demand for produce, consumer preferences by region, and key export opportunities.
“This should guide collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade in identifying and supporting farm groups and exporters ready to serve those markets.
“Everything we do must be market driven.”
Mr Navakasuasua said the current and past governments had not tapped into the potential that agriculture had.
“If there is one sector with the power to lift the standard of living for most Fijians, especially in rural areas, it has to be agriculture.
“More than 40 per cent of Fiji’s population live in rural communities.
“They are hardworking men and women whose livelihoods depend directly on the land.
“I respectfully urge the government to increase the agriculture budget allocation in the upcoming 2025 to 2026 National Budget.”
Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad said discussions were underway on how best to support the farmers through the Marketing Authority.
“We are going to announce a few things in the budget,” Prof Prasad said.
“I think there are a number of provisions within the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget to support people like yourself in commercial agriculture.
He said there were a lot of incentives in the next budget that would assist farmers.
“I think sometimes it’s just the ability of the farmers to access some of these things, and unfortunately, sometimes they are not aware.
“There is a bit of slackness on the part of officials in certain ministries, particularly in agriculture, in certain areas, where they don’t go and identify the farmers through the extension of research and training capabilities.”
