The 2024 National Agriculture Show kicked off today at the Valelevu Grounds in Nasinu, focusing on empowering farmers through innovation and resilience to help agriculture succeed in challenging times.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, stressed the vital role of agriculture as the foundation of Fijian society. The event, themed “Empowering Farmers, Cultivating Resilience through Innovation and Inclusiveness in Climate Smart Agriculture,” spans three days and showcases the essential contributions of farmers to the nation’s development and sustainability.
Gavoka honored the traditional owners of the land, acknowledging the Na Vanua o Matanikutu I Navisere and their leaders, while extending a warm welcome to attendees from diverse sectors, including government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, farmers, and students.
He highlighted agriculture as not merely an economic sector but a vital way of life that supports families, communities, and the economy. Gavoka recognized the increasing challenges brought on by climate change and fluctuating global markets.
Furthermore, he discussed various government initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, such as the Farm to Fork initiative, which connects local farmers with the tourism industry by integrating locally grown produce into the supply chain. This initiative, led by several ministries in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, not only promotes Fijian cuisine but also fosters sustainable tourism and helps reduce the carbon footprint.
Gavoka also presented positive statistics, noting a 16% increase in exports of fresh and chilled products in the first half of 2024, while imports decreased by 3%, resulting in savings of $17 million for Fiji.
Despite these advancements, he emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to provide farmers with essential resources, training, and market access. In his concluding remarks, he urged collective action, saying, “Together we can build a robust agricultural sector that fights poverty and improves the standard of living for all Fijians.”