In order to reduce the high import bill on feed costs associated with the agriculture industry, Government is urging farmers to meet that demand by growing the necessary commodities to substitute the necessary nutrient requirements in the feeds.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment the Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy said there were many reasons why Government was emphasizing the need to utilize the land more.

“We want to motivate you to make use of your land, grow so you can meet the huge demand we have locally, one aspect of which is growing to reduce our import bill. 

“And an aspect of that import bill is related to poultry feed,” he said.

Hon. Dr Reddy was making the comments while handing over a boat and engine to the Duavata Farmer’s group in Navuniyasi Village, Matailobau, Naitasiri last Thursday (27.8.29).

He said there was no reason why Fiji should be importing poultry feed when the country had the largest poultry industry in the Pacific region besides Australia and New Zealand.

He said protein was one of the key ingredients of poultry feed such as soy or fish mill.

“We are now producing fish mill in small amounts. But it is not enough, we have to produce more.

“Poultry feed also contains energy nutrients, again these are imported. Again, we can always grow its substitute like corn or other things.

“If you grow these things, rest assured that there is definitely a market for it. Market is available via Agro Marketing Authority (AMA) and our Fijian exporters in the private sector, of whom the latter has played a significant part in growing the economy,” the Minister said.

He said a contract would be drawn up between AMA and farmers as well as between exporters and farmers to ensure all parties mutually benefitted. 

-ENDS-

• ← Go to all Press Releases