Farmers in Fiji will have the opportunity to express their concerns at the upcoming 2024 Agriculture Show. Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu announced that the ministry plans to address the issues raised by farmers directly during the event, following numerous complaints received from various sources.
“I welcome complaints,” Mr. Rayalu stated, emphasizing the ministry’s goal to support farmers effectively. He underscored the importance of open communication and availability, sharing that he has given his contact details to the public and is open to handling complaints even outside of standard hours.
Some farmers prefer to reach out to him directly rather than going through ministry officials, which he acknowledged. “When they call my number, I answer and take their concerns seriously,” he remarked. He expressed that direct engagement with farmers during the agriculture show is crucial for effective service delivery.
The minister highlighted the necessity of being receptive to feedback, urging his team to prioritize the needs of farmers and proactively engage with constructive criticism. Mr. Rayalu believes that these interactions at the agriculture show will lead to improvements in service within the ministry.
“Let them criticise us. Criticism won’t hurt us; it will help us grow as a ministry,” he concluded.