Kuridrani urges reform to put farmers first and market clarity at the fore
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Inosi Kuridrani has urged ministry staff to rethink how services are delivered to farmers, calling for smarter, market-driven programs that promote fairness across Fiji’s agricultural sector. Speaking during a visit to the Tailevu Agriculture Office, Kuridrani emphasized that productivity without solid market access is incomplete and urged staff to design initiatives that are economically viable and equitable.
He also raised concerns about procurement practices, calling for greater transparency and a more inclusive approach to distributing government support. Kuridrani stressed that farmer engagement should be more than a procedural step and must form the foundation of effective program design. The Tailevu visit is presented as part of a broader reform drive focused on performance, equity, and market alignment to build a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.
Additional context and value
– The push for market-driven reform aligns with wider calls to improve market access and responsiveness in Fiji’s agriculture, including efforts to assess market demand at the district level and provide timely price and demand information to farmers.
– There is a broader emphasis on upgrading agricultural infrastructure, such as farm roads, to connect farmers to markets more efficiently and reduce transport bottlenecks that hinder product delivery.
– The reform narrative also intersects with ongoing discussions about budget allocations and incentives to support farmers, as well as the need for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement in how funds are used.
– By prioritizing farmer voices and aligning programs with market needs, the government aims to strengthen food security and support rural livelihoods while boosting resilience against price volatility and climate-related challenges.
What this could mean for readers and farmers
– A more responsive ministry that designs programs based on real farm needs and market signals.
– Improved access to markets through better information flow and targeted infrastructure investments.
– Greater transparency in how government support is allocated, potentially increasing trust and participation from farming communities.
Summary
Kuridrani’s Tailevu visit signals an intent to reform service delivery by tying ministry programs to market viability, equity, and transparent procurement, with farmer engagement at the heart of policy design. If pursued consistently, this approach could lead to stronger market linkages, better access to resources, and a more resilient agricultural sector across Fiji. Positive collaboration between government, farmers, and industry stakeholders will be key to turning these reforms into tangible benefits.
Leave a comment