Agricultural land in Fiji is increasingly being lost due to climate change, according to Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu. In a recent press conference, he highlighted the effects of rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion on farmland.
Rayalu pointed out that coastal flatlands that were once fertile for agriculture are now being impacted by these changes. “Standing by the Rewa River, you can actually smell the sea,” he noted, emphasizing the reality of saltwater intrusion.
He also mentioned that infrastructure development has played a role in the diminishing agricultural land. “Land has been consumed by rising sea levels, increased saltwater intrusion, and development,” he said. The minister observed that while some arable land is being repurposed, particularly flatlands are becoming unproductive due to salinity issues.
He stated, “These are the real issues affecting the agriculture industry. We are already losing arable land to other forms of development and our flatlands are mostly lost to saltwater intrusion, making it impossible for agricultural productivity.”
In light of these challenges, Rayalu indicated that researchers are working to develop crops that can withstand higher salinity levels, including a rice variety that has been bred for increased tolerance.
Additionally, efforts are underway to promote traditional crop varieties that have demonstrated resilience over time. Rayalu emphasized the significance of focusing on these enduring varieties alongside new agricultural developments to ensure sustainability in the face of climate change. “We prefer to propagate the traditional varieties we have because they have proven their worth over time,” he added.