To bolster beef farming in Fiji, the Minister of Agriculture has presented breeding cattle to nine farmers in the Navosa Province. Minister Vatimi Rayalu had earlier committed to this initiative during a meeting at the Vatumali Government Station, promising the delivery of F1 Senepol bulls.
The Senepol breed, which was purchased from Australia several years ago, is being utilized as part of ongoing research and successful embryo transfer initiatives in Fiji. Speaking to the farmers at Botona Settlement in Keiyasi, Rayalu outlined the government’s ambitious plans to rejuvenate the beef farming sector in the region.
The Senepol cattle are recognized for their adaptability to tropical climates and their high-quality meat. Rayalu emphasized that this effort aims to enhance the genetic profile of local cattle, ultimately leading to improved meat quality, enhanced disease resistance, and increased productivity—elements that are essential for revitalizing the beef industry in Navosa.
Farmer Ravuama Latilevu expressed that receiving a breeding bull will significantly aid his beef farm’s growth. Currently, the Navosa Livestock Cooperative operates in three clusters, with a total of 196 registered beef farms in the area. Among these, 34 farms are classified as commercial, 36 as semi-commercial, and 126 as subsistence farms.
The ministry plans to provide training and monitoring to guarantee the successful integration of the newly introduced breeds.