To boost beef farming in Fiji, the Minister of Agriculture has distributed breeding cattle to nine farmers in the Navosa Province. During a meeting at the Vatumali Government Station earlier this year, Minister Vatimi Rayalu assured the farmers that the government would provide them with breeding bulls of the F1 Senepol Breed.
The ministry has previously acquired these breeds from Australia and continues to engage in research, including successful embryo transfers in Fiji.
While addressing the farmers at Botona Settlement in Keiyasi, Rayalu emphasized the government’s significant plans to revitalize the beef farming sector in Fiji. He highlighted that Senepol cattle are well-suited for tropical climates and are known for their high-quality meat.
“This initiative aims to enhance the genetic quality of the local cattle population, which will improve meat quality, enhance disease resistance, and increase productivity—key factors in revitalizing the beef industry in the Navosa Province,” Rayalu stated.
One of the recipients, farmer Ravuama Latilevu, shared that receiving a breeding bull would greatly support his efforts to expand his beef farm.
Currently, the Navosa Livestock Cooperative operates three clusters and there are 196 registered beef farms in Navosa. Among these, 34 are commercial farms, 36 function at a semi-commercial level, while 126 are subsistence farms.
To ensure the effective integration of these new breeds, the ministry plans to conduct training and monitoring.