Revitalizing Fiji’s Livestock Sector: A Path to Sustainable Food Security

The livestock sector is vital to the nation’s food system, providing a significant portion of its protein needs and enhancing self-sufficiency in meat, dairy, and poultry products. This was underscored by Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna during the recent livestock forum held at the Royal Events Centre in Sawani. The forum brought together livestock farmers, industry experts, researchers, policymakers, and development partners to strategize the future of the sector.

Tunabuna acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the livestock industry, including limited market access, high production costs, disease outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change. These issues hinder the growth and competitiveness of the sector, highlighting the necessity for collaborative approaches to strategizing solutions.

The forum aims to review the existing livestock strategy from 2016 and create a clear, actionable roadmap with well-defined short-term and long-term objectives. Tunabuna reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the livestock sector through targeted investments, research, and innovative practices, which are pivotal for enhancing productivity and sustainability.

This initiative aligns with recent discussions at the Sigatoka Research Station, where Tunabuna visited to engage with officers working on the Embryo Transfer cattle program. This innovative approach is designed to improve local cattle breeds by implanting high-quality embryos, which can potentially lead to higher productivity and climate resilience. It combines advanced agricultural research with practical applications to benefit local farmers.

Overall, these efforts signal a strong commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector in Fiji. By embracing innovation and fostering sustainable practices, the ministry is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole. The focus on research and development provides hope for overcoming current challenges and ensuring food security for the nation.