The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has announced that the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) will provide crucial funding aimed at empowering rural farmers, while simultaneously alleviating financial burdens on the government. In a recent submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, the ministry underscored the importance of the PRF, which will offer small grants to communities, enabling them to recover more efficiently after disasters without accumulating national debt.
The facility’s establishment is intended to bolster national food security and protect the livelihoods of those in rural areas. Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, remarked that the PRF’s impact is expected to enhance agricultural exports to New Zealand. He pointed out that the funding will especially benefit farmers engaged in targeted crop production.
Dr. Tukana also emphasized that Fiji’s participation in the PRF will equip the nation to better handle the challenges posed by cyclones, droughts, and flooding. He articulated that the interventions facilitated through the PRF are vital in addressing the anticipated increase in severe weather events. Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of strengthening the agricultural sector by investing in resilient and sustainable practices.
By focusing on empowering grassroots farmers, the initiative aims to safeguard livelihoods and maintain agriculture as a fundamental aspect of Fiji’s economy, particularly in light of the country’s mounting climate challenges. The collaborative effort through the Pacific Resilience Facility reflects a proactive approach to adapting agricultural practices while fostering community resilience in the face of environmental adversities.
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