The agriculture sector is on a mission to diversify its products and enhance the commercial viability of coconut farming, aiming to elevate farmers’ income while promoting sustainability. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna has revealed that recent surveys indicate coconut farming is manageable and can be scaled up efficiently.
Coconuts are valued for their numerous commercial applications, which include oil production, food items, and various by-products. Tunabuna emphasizes that this versatility makes coconut farming a promising and lucrative choice for farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture is actively urging farmers to adopt coconut cultivation as part of broader initiatives to reinforce food security, improve rural livelihoods, and stimulate the agricultural economy.
Minister Tunabuna noted the current high demand for coconuts, contrasting it with the low production levels. He pointed out that this disparity limits the potential for value-added products, which typically require a robust supply base. To support this initiative, the Ministry is providing resources to increase planting efforts and supply seed nuts to communities.
The positive impact of this support is already visible in some islands of Fiji, where the Ministry has distributed 2,000 coconut seedlings. This assistance is empowering local farmers to grow their businesses and diversify their income sources, ultimately contributing to the overall health of the agricultural sector. With the right strategies and support in place, there’s hope for a flourishing future in coconut farming, benefiting both farmers and the community at large.
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