Assistant Minister for Justice and Ra chief Ratu Josaia Niudamu has urged farmers in Ra to diversify beyond traditional crops, saying the shift will strengthen food security, create new income opportunities and improve the long-term resilience of rural communities.
Speaking during the 2026–2027 National Budget debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Niudamu called on cane farmers and other growers in Ra to embrace a managed transition towards alternative crops, with Government support.
“I call on the Ra farmers to begin a managed transition towards diversifying cropping while this Government and its partner institution will provide the necessary support.”
He said a number of farmers had already begun planting cowpea, beans and coffee, describing the move as a positive step for the province.
Niudamu acknowledged the efforts of Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Sakiusa Tubuna and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in supporting diversification initiatives.
“Some of our Ra farmers are taking decisive steps to diversifying their cropping systems by planting cowpea, beans and coffee.”
He said these grassroots initiatives deserved greater recognition and targeted support from Parliament.
“These grassroots shifts deserve recognition and targeted support from this august House.”
Niudamu said many farming families in Ra had relied on a limited range of crops for generations and argued that expanding into alternative agriculture would strengthen livelihoods.
He highlighted cowpea as a fast-growing legume capable of improving household food security while providing farmers with an additional source of income through local markets.
The Assistant Minister also identified coffee as a promising long-term investment for the province.
“With stable slopes and microclimates in parts of Ra, coffee can provide a long-term revenue, stimulate small-scale processing enterprises, and create jobs in our rural community in Ra.”
Niudamu said Ra coffee already enjoys a strong reputation for its quality and distinctive flavour.
“Ra coffee has a reputation both at home and around the world because of its distinct sweetness. It is one of the sweetest coffee around the world.”
He said expanding coffee production could help diversify the rural economy while creating sustainable employment opportunities for future generations.
