Fiji’s Agricultural Future: Will Market-Driven Practices Pave the Way?

A series of agricultural workshops in Nadroga concluded with a powerful message from Dr. Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, highlighting the necessity for the agricultural sector in Fiji to be market-driven in order to thrive. The sessions, held in Lawai Village, attracted growers and exporters as part of the broader preparation for the Mini Trade Forum scheduled for June 2025.

Dr. Tukana underscored the crucial role of agriculture in enhancing Fiji’s economy, noting that the non-sugarcane sector contributed over FJD 759 million to the nation’s GDP in 2023, reflecting a growing trend in agricultural production. His remarks were in line with previous comments made during earlier workshops that stressed the importance of aligning agricultural output with market demands to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of local farmers on the global stage.

Participants were encouraged to adopt ecological practices to combat challenges posed by climate change while also enhancing food production capabilities. The workshops fostered collaboration among farmers, exporters, and regulatory bodies, creating a conducive environment for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.

Vandhna Shiwangni from Vinesh Exporters spoke about the positive aftermath of the training sessions, which motivated her business to expand, noting the necessity for better infrastructure support such as cooling equipment and packing facilities to improve export readiness.

As Fiji’s agricultural sector continues to evolve, the workshops exemplified the ongoing commitment among stakeholders to innovation and sustainability. Previous statistics show an encouraging increase in agricultural exports, with a reported 16% growth in fresh and chilled products during the first half of 2024, indicating a hopeful outlook for the industry. This focus on market-driven practices and partnership-building suggests a bright future for Fiji’s agriculture, fostering both economic resilience and community empowerment in a challenging global landscape.