The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has allocated over $18 million to more than 5,000 farmers in rural and maritime areas over the past five years. This information was disclosed by AMA’s executive chairman, Jone Sovalawa, during the unveiling of the Authority’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2024-2026.
Sovalawa emphasized the importance of encouraging farmers to increase the production of highly sought-after commodities through their social media platforms. He acknowledged that the AMA encountered several challenges since its establishment by the government two decades ago, particularly issues related to governance and financial discipline. These challenges were often linked to the lack of documented plans and other management-related difficulties.
For over ten years, the AMA struggled without a robust plan. However, the newly appointed board, which began its term 18 months ago, was committed to creating two essential planning documents: a corporate plan and the SDP. This initiative aims to provide the AMA with a clear direction in line with government requirements and to connect its efforts to key performance indicators.
Sovalawa expressed satisfaction that the AMA now has a corporate plan, a financial manual, a corporate governance manual, and an SDP, with plans to finalize its annual report by December 2024.
The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, stated that the 2024-2026 SDP reflects the ongoing commitment of the AMA to support farmers and advance the agricultural sector. He noted that the primary aim of this plan is to improve marketing coordination and significantly boost local production.
Rayalu highlighted that this objective would be pursued through a transition towards sustainable agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly and enhance human nutrition. Key goals of the AMA’s SDP include fostering sustainable market linkages, enhancing commercial agricultural operations, diversifying agricultural and aquaculture products, identifying and developing potential international markets, and supporting various agricultural initiatives.