Goat production is three times higher than sheep rearing in Fiji but the problem is there are no formal markets for goat meat, Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy told Parliament this week.
He was responding to Opposition MP Inosi Kuridrani’s query about an update on the goat meat industry.
“Over the past decade, we have substantially increased lamb production, sheep farming in Fiji and, therefore, local provision of lamb meat,” Dr Reddy said in response.
“We note that while we are doing everything to expand sheep production and the number of farms in Fiji, we can also substitute lamb meat if we are able to supply goat meat.
“But the problem at the moment is that we do not have a formal market for goat meat.”
However, he said, goat farmers sold their product in informal markets.
“Now, because they slaughter it at home, they cannot sell the meat for commercial purpose.
“Anyone slaughtering in their own backyard or on their farm, any animal unless it is inspected by a meat inspector, unless it is slaughtered in a slaughterhouse or abattoir, it cannot be sold commercially.
“They can consume it for family purposes because the moment you sell it commercially, if there is any health issue, then to whom will one have the liability with?”T
