The recent insights from newly sworn-in MP Inosi Kuridrani highlight the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Fiji’s economy and its citizens. In his maiden speech in Parliament, Kuridrani emphasized that the pandemic, particularly during the lockdown imposed in April 2021, resulted in significant job losses, with about 115,000 individuals losing their jobs and an additional 10,000 placed on part-time work due to the “No Jab, No Job” policy. He pointed out that this staggering situation likely left around 390,000 people affected, considering average family sizes.
Kuridrani’s address also drew attention to the dire food security situation during the lockdown, where many had to queue for food rations due to the abandonment of agricultural practices. He noted that had families cultivated home gardens or engaged in farming, they could have mitigated some of the hardships faced during the crisis.
Furthermore, he criticized previous government inaction regarding agricultural support, referencing the food basket program initiated under the SDL government in 2006 as a missed opportunity for enhancing local food production. He expressed concerns over the impact of the pandemic and the resulting non-communicable diseases on the nation’s economic development and the overall livelihoods of the population.
These statements resonate with recent discussions in Parliament highlighting the need for a robust agricultural sector to bolster food security and economic resilience. This sentiment is echoed by other political leaders, including Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who has previously pointed out the economic repercussions of the pandemic and the necessity for cooperative efforts in reviving Fiji’s agricultural landscape.
As Fiji looks to move forward from the challenges posed by COVID-19, there remains hope that a renewed focus on agriculture and local food production can foster self-reliance, strengthen community resilience, and ultimately lead to better economic stability. The call for a reevaluation of agricultural policies and practices reflects not just a reaction to past crises but a hopeful vision for a sustainable future where food security contributes to national prosperity.
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