FARMERS in Rakiraki are being targeted for a comprehensive mapping exercise aimed at strengthening agricultural production, developing cooperatives and expanding access to regional export markets.
The initiative is being undertaken by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), in partnership with the Rakiraki Town Council through the Pacific Fresh Air-Link (PFAL) project.
PIDF secretary-general Arpana Pratap said the exercise would assess farmers’ production capacity, resource management, land use and adoption of sustainable farming practices.
“This work will support stronger collaboration between the PIDF and the local administration, improve the evidence base for agricultural and aquaculture development, and help connect local producers to the regional supply chain being developed under the Pacific Fresh Air-Link,” Ms Pratap said.
She said the exercise would go beyond gathering information and help identify areas where farmers needed support to improve their operations.
“This mapping exercise is more than just collecting data; it is about understanding the strengths, potential, and areas where support and improvement is needed for our farmers to thrive.
“By identifying active farmers, cooperatives, and available resources, we can better connect local producers to sustainable farming opportunities, strengthen food security, and create pathways to regional markets through the Pacific Fresh Air-Link project.”
The mapping exercise follows a stakeholder meeting in Rakiraki, where Ms Pratap met special administrator chairman Peni Duaniwai to discuss the need for monitoring and evaluating farms to improve land and resource utilisation, and advance agriculture and aquaculture development.
The meeting brought together farmers, exporters and businesspeople to discuss sustainable development, agricultural opportunities and the PFAL project.
Under PIDF’s Food and Nutrition Security initiative, the PFAL project coordinates the export of agricultural produce from Nadi to countries in the Northern Pacific.
Ms Pratap said sustainable farming and export growth could benefit both Fiji and Pacific island countries facing challenges in accessing fresh produce.
She also highlighted the potential of various crops and related farming activities, encouraging farmers to form cooperatives to consolidate production and strengthen their position in the market.
“When farmers unite through cooperatives, they gain greater strength, better bargaining power, and improved access to markets.”
