The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is intensifying its efforts to support farmers by enhancing the digital skills of its field officers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize agricultural practices and improve productivity.
In 2025, officers from the Land Resources Planning Division (LRPD) initiated practical training sessions in Ba Province, covering areas like Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, and Nadi. The training aimed to equip staff with advanced tools such as Survey123 and ArcGIS, focusing on critical aspects like data collection, mapping, and production planning at the farm level.
The initiative has already demonstrated positive results. Data collected during the training contributed to a comprehensive survey of locally grown pineapples, which facilitated a successful export shipment to the New Zealand market. This achievement not only showcases the potential for local agricultural products but also creates new trade opportunities for farmers in the region.
Recently, the Ministry concluded a Basic GIS and Survey123 training session for officers in Tailevu Province. These sessions are designed to enhance digital mapping and data-gathering capabilities, allowing officers to accurately monitor crop output, track farming activities, and provide timely, informed advice to producers.
The conclusion of this latest training and the upcoming launch of another pineapple survey represent concrete steps taken by the government to advance agricultural planning, increase productivity, and expand market access for local farmers, both domestically and internationally. Plans to extend training programs to additional regions across the country highlight the government’s commitment to equipping farmers with the necessary skills to compete in a global market. This initiative promises a hopeful future for the agricultural sector in Fiji.
Leave a comment