Women and girls make up almost 48% of Fiji's agriculture household population and the Coalition Government recognizes the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment in Fiji.

These were the remarks by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu when officiating at the first ever National Women in Agriculture Awards Night which was held earlier tonight at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.

“Tonight, we are commemorating the International Women's Day with an awards ceremony to celebrate the contribution, achievements, strength, and potential of women in the agriculture sector,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“Much has been written and researched on how closing the global gender gap in agriculture will lead to increased food production and a sustainable future for women and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, providing women in developing countries with equal access to information, land, improved technologies, financing, and markets could increase their agricultural yields by up to 30 percent. This could also help lift more than 100 million people out of hunger.”

“This year's International Women's Day theme, "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress", highlights the fact that investing in women can accelerate progress and strengthen the economy for all.”

“I would like to commend the efforts of all women in Fiji’s agriculture sector; the women farmers, women exporters, women food processors and not forgetting the trailblazing women officers in the ministry who are involved in crop extension services, livestock extension, research services, planning, and administration services across the four geographical divisions of Fiji,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“You all have continuously overcome barriers and positioned yourself as key drivers of alleviating poverty by improving food security and livelihoods in the sector and national economy and as the Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, I am here tonight because I deeply appreciate and value your role in providing safe and nutritious food for families at every meal and your efforts to improve socio-economic livelihoods.”

“The ministry will continue to recognize the contribution of women in the agriculture sector as you represent 14% of our farmers. As of today, 12,084 women farmers are registered in the National Farmers Database. This is an increase from the 11,971 recorded in 2020. According to the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census Report, women farmers contributed $57.9 million to the total agricultural production value.”

Hon. Rayalu added that it is important to capture the accomplishments of women farmers, scientists, agriculturalists and food entrepreneurs who have made noteworthy contributions to the field of agriculture.

Tonight winners were recognized for their roles in championing agriculture in Fiji and for excelling in crop farming, livestock farming, value-adding, and women's farming group entrepreneurship.

By recognizing the efforts of these incredible women, the ministry hopes to inspire young girls to consider a future in agriculture.

The ministry also thanks the donor agencies that stepped in to sponsor and co-sponsor the National Women in Agriculture Awards Night namely the World Food Programme, UN Women, Australian Aid, ADRA, Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CANDO) and the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Programme.

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