Fiji’s government has made significant financial allocations in its 2025-2026 budget to bolster agricultural development. A total of $337,000 has been designated for the Women in Agriculture Program, while the Youth in Agriculture Program will receive $281,000. Fisheries and Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu presented these budget details in Parliament, emphasizing the aim of fostering agricultural growth and providing equitable access to resources for farmers, particularly smallholders.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the government assisted 597 individual women and 51 women’s groups with resources like planting materials, training opportunities, farming tools, and market linkages. Additionally, an investment of $4.4 million is allocated for upgrading facilities at the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute and Tutu Training Centre, aimed at equipping youth with essential skills for a sustainable agricultural future.
In efforts to empower smallholder farming households and alleviate poverty, the new budget included $225,000 specifically for this initiative. Furthermore, the government is allocating $1 million to the Fertilizer and Weedicide Subsidy Program to enhance agricultural sustainability by providing farmers with the necessary resources to improve productivity and resilience.
A notable investment of $3 million will be made to strengthen the food supply chain, focusing on improving market access and local capacity. Of this amount, $2.5 million is allocated towards the Commercial Agriculture Development Programme, crucial for supporting exporters and agro-processors in the country.
The proactive and supportive measures presented in this budget highlight a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s agricultural sector. By empowering women and youth and investing in essential infrastructure and resources, the government is paving the way for enhanced productivity and economic growth within rural communities, ultimately contributing to national prosperity.
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