THE Government has allocated $337,000 to the Women in Agriculture Program and $281,000 for the Youth in Agriculture Program.
Fisheries and Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu told Parliament the 2025-2026 budget emphasises exclusive agricultural growth by empowering all farmers, especially smallholders, with equitable access to resources and to support and strengthen the nation’s prosperity.
“In the 2024-2025 financial year, a total of 597 individual women and 51 women’s groups were assisted with planting materials, training, nursery materials, farming tools, agro-inputs and market linkages,” Ms Bainivalu said.
“In addition, $4.4million has been allocated to upgrade training facilities and quarters at the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute and Tutu Training Centre, reinforcing efforts to equip youth with the skills necessary for a sustainable future.”
She said $225,000 had been newly developed in the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, designated to assist smallholder farming households aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering small-scale farmers.
“Additionally, $1million is allocated to the Fertilizer and Weedicide Subsidy Program which seeks to strengthen agricultural sustainability by enhancing access to essential resources that improve productivity, profitability and long-term resilience.
“$3million is allocated to strengthen the food supply chain by improving market access and local capacity. Of the $3million, $2.5million is for the Commercial Agriculture Development Programme which is essential for strengthening our exporters and agro-processors.”
