In an effort to rejuvenate beef farming in Fiji, nine farmers from the Navosa Province have received breeding cattle from the Minister of Agriculture. Minister Vatimi Rayalu had previously promised the farmers during a meeting at the Vatumali Government Station that the government would supply them with F1 Senepol breeding bulls.
The Ministry has invested in these cattle, which were purchased from Australia several years ago, and continues to conduct research as well as successful embryo transfers within Fiji.
While addressing the farmers at Botona Settlement in Keiyasi, Rayalu outlined the government’s ambitious plans to revitalize the beef farming industry in Fiji. Senepol cattle are recognized for their suitability to tropical climates and the premium quality of their meat.
Rayalu explained that this initiative is designed to enhance the genetic quality of the local cattle population, which will lead to improvements in meat quality, increased disease resistance, and enhanced productivity. These factors are essential for revitalizing the beef industry in Navosa Province.
Farmer Ravuama Latilevu, one of the recipients, expressed that receiving a breeding bull will greatly support his efforts in expanding his beef farm.
The Navosa Livestock Cooperative currently operates with three clusters and comprises a total of 196 registered beef farms. Among these, 34 function as commercial farms, 36 are semi-commercial, and 126 are subsistence farms.
In addition, the Ministry plans to implement training and monitoring to guarantee the successful integration of these new cattle breeds.