The two-day gathering of crop and livestock farmers in Suva this week is an opportunity that must be seized by the Government and key stakeholders to formulate and review policies, regulations and programs that best cater to the needs of Fijian farmers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica made the comment at the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC)-organised Farmers Forum that ended at the GPH on Thursday.
He said the council had evolved into Fiji’s leading advocate for agriculture and represented more than 80,000 farmers and benefitted close to 71,000 households nationwide – exhibited in the agriculture census conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.
“It is pleasing to note the collaborations between the FCLC, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and the Pacific Islands Farmers Organisations Network in bringing farmers and key stakeholders together to discuss, address concerns and most importantly, find constructive solutions to develop our agriculture sector,” Mr Kamikamica said.
He said his ministry was actively working towards fostering economic growth and promoting economic diversification.
“Through various grant program and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and co-operatives, the ministry is providing essential mechanisms for businesses to expand and go beyond.
“By offering monitoring, business advisory, services and capacity-building training, we are empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive market landscape.”
Mr Kamikamica said it is through cohesive partnerships, innovative strategies, and unwavering support from all stakeholders that Fiji can realise the full potential of its agricultural sector.
