Bongo chili farming is emerging as a promising business opportunity in the highlands of Sigatoka, according to Orisi Kubunadakai from Nabutautau village. During the National Budget consultations on April 23 at the Lautoka Girmit Centre, he represented nearly 500 farmers across seven highland districts, advocating for more support to enhance their agricultural viability.
Kubunadakai highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in remote areas of Fiji, particularly the high costs associated with transporting produce to markets, which often restricts many to subsistence farming merely to feed their families. However, the introduction of bongo chili farming, which thrives in the region’s challenging terrain, has bolstered community participation, with over 2,000 women now involved in this crop.
New Valley Processes, a company based in Sabeto, has partnered with the community for the past five years, assisting in the serialization of agriculture and making the market more accessible. Mr. Kubunadakai urged government support for additional initiatives, such as processing bongo chilies into high-value products like pickles, pastes, and sauces. He believes such developments would significantly enhance farmers’ incomes and stabilize cash flow for their families.
Moreover, he called for the establishment of aggregation centers in the highlands to improve storage, maintain product freshness and quality, and meet export standards. He further expressed the need for support in research and development, particularly in food technology and product innovation.
Finance Minister Biman Prasad responded positively, promising to identify ways to assist farmers and backing the government’s initiative to enhance commercial agriculture in Fiji. He noted the potential of bongo chilies as high-value products and affirmed a commitment to support community-driven agricultural growth.
This movement aligns with broader trends aimed at revamping Fiji’s agricultural sector, including recent investments aimed at boosting local production and market access for farmers. The optimistic outlook surrounding bongo chili farming not only underlines the potential for economic growth but also signifies a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices that can significantly improve the livelihoods of rural communities. Emphasizing partnerships and collaboration looks to create a brighter future for Fiji’s agricultural landscape, fostering resilience and sustainability in the sector.
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