FARMERS in the agriculture industry need support and capacity building for the sector to develop in a sustainable manner.

This was the view of Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu while addressing members of the Fiji-India Business Council in Lautoka on Saturday night.

“I have analysed the agriculture industry over the past few years and one thing I have noted and I have given instructions to my team, is that we must monitor each and every farmer very closely,” he said.

“We talk about private-public investment and private sector investment but the most important investment is the farm-level investment.

“For the industry to improve, every farmer has to save so that he or she can re-invest into his or her business.

“Unfortunately in Fiji, most farmers are not even breaking even, most are not able to save. How can they grow when they are not able to save? That needs close monitoring and that needs capacity-building.”

Speaking to business leaders, farmers and academics at the forum, Mr Seruiratu said while Fiji had a lot to offer in terms of food production and quality, farmers needed targeted assistance to ensure they were able to earn a decent living while contributing to food security, import substitution and the export sector.