The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) distributed over $18 million to more than 5,000 farmers in both rural and maritime areas during the past five years. This information was disclosed by AMA’s executive chairman, Jone Sovalawa, during the unveiling of the organization’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2024-2026.
Sovalawa highlighted the importance of encouraging farmers through AMA’s social media platforms to increase the cultivation of in-demand crops. He noted that since its establishment by the government 20 years ago, AMA experienced various challenges mainly related to governance and financial discipline, which were often due to the lack of documented plans and other management issues.
“For over a decade, there hasn’t been a comprehensive plan for AMA,” he stated, expressing satisfaction that the newly formed board, initiated 18 months ago, has worked diligently to produce two crucial planning documents: a corporate plan and the SDP. These documents are intended to provide AMA with clarity and connect its efforts to key performance indicators as mandated by the government.
Sovalawa reported that AMA has successfully developed a corporate plan, financial manual, corporate governance manual, and the new SDP, with plans to finalize its annual report by December 2024.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, commented that the 2024-2026 SDP represents a continuation of AMA’s mission to support farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector. “The primary objective of this plan is to enhance our marketing coordination efforts by significantly boosting local production,” he said.
Rayalu outlined the plan’s focus on sustainable agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly and aimed at enhancing human nutrition. Key objectives include developing sustainable market connections, expanding commercial agricultural operations, diversifying agricultural and aquaculture products, identifying and exploiting potential international markets, and promoting agricultural activities.