The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in Fiji is setting ambitious goals to elevate the country’s agricultural exports to $1 billion within the next five years, as outlined in the 2025-2026 national budget. Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, announced a range of strategic investments that focus on diversifying crops, enhancing the resilience of the food system, and broadening market access.
Key initiatives include directing targeted funding towards high-value crops such as kava, taro, turmeric, ginger, cocoa, coffee, and livestock. The Ministry is also exploring policies to promote the leasing of unused land for farming purposes, aiming to increase agricultural productivity. A comprehensive review of current subsidy recipients is planned to improve transparency and accountability within the agricultural sector.
A budget of $168,750 has been set aside to support farmers in cultivating supplementary cash crops, which include vegetables, pulses, and rice, encouraging diversification of income sources. Additionally, an initiative to promote backyard farming in schools seeks to enhance food self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports, providing practical education and income opportunities for students.
This new focus on sustainability includes supporting agricultural research, adopting sustainable practices, and improving market linkages, with particular attention to climate resilience—reflecting an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
These developments in agriculture come on the heels of the government’s significant budget increase for the sector, providing further resources for enhancing production and addressing the critical needs of the rural economy. Previous reports highlighted positive trends in agricultural exports, with kava and turmeric seeing record increases, suggesting that the sector is already on a resilient trajectory.
This proactive stance by the Fijian government demonstrates a hopeful outlook for the agricultural sector, which remains a crucial part of Fiji’s rural economy. By fostering investments and supporting farmers, the country is not only enhancing its agricultural capabilities but also working toward a more secure and sustainable future for its communities.
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