Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy has called for the establishment of a joint taskforce between experts of the ministry and the Fiji National University to address the Asian Subterranean Termite.

Mr Reddy said there were many experts with the two institutions but not much had been done to protect the agriculture sector from the termites.

“Where is our contribution? We are mere spectators while termites are expanding its base in Fiji and threatening the dwellings and agriculture to some extent now,” the Minister said while officiating at the two-day 2020 National Agriculture Symposium held at The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour last Thursday.

“It’s time that you establish a joint taskforce and go for a war on termites and firstly, stop its spread and secondly reduce its numbers towards zero in their existing areas.”

Mr Reddy said there was also a need to support the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji in full proofing the country’s borders because that was the source of new pests and diseases into the country.