Rural and maritime farmers are currently experiencing significant payment difficulties due to inadequacies in the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) system, leading to urgent calls for reform. Inosi Kuridrani, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, highlighted that the existing payment arrangements are ineffective for farmers in remote areas during his visits to agricultural communities in Vanua Levu and discussions with AMA staff and Copra Millers in Savusavu.
Farmers expressed multiple concerns, including poor mobile network coverage, delayed payment transfers, and systemic failures, with M-PAiSA being frequently cited as a major problem. Many farmers are compelled to travel to urban centers merely to verify their payments, resulting in additional financial burdens for their families. “Agriculture cannot move forward if our farmers are left waiting. Changing the payment system to accommodate rural communities is not just a convenience but a necessity for fairness and sustainability,” Kuridrani emphasized.
He noted that a significant portion of rural farmers still depend on cash for essential needs such as food, school fees, and daily expenses. Kuridrani stressed that digital payment systems alone do not meet the practical needs of all communities. As a result, he urged the Agricultural Marketing Authority to reassess and improve its payment processes to ensure that farmers receive timely and fair payments in alignment with their circumstances. The call for action reflects a needed commitment to support the livelihoods of farmers, which is vital for the sustainability of agriculture in these regions.
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