Picture: Minister for Agriculture Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy during a farm visit in Taveuni.

Farmers of Delaivuna in Taveuni have been reminded of the importance of fulfilling and meeting the demand and supply chain of agricultural produce.

They were also strongly advised to maintain the quality of their agricultural produce while delivering on a consistent basis to ensure an upward trajectory of agriculture growth on the island, and in turn, for the country.

In an informal talanoa session with farmers from Delaivuna yesterday evening, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy shared that this was the most important responsibility for a farmer, establishing and securing a market for their produce.

“With the reopening of borders, we’re looking at good times ahead and we must ensure that we do not slow down in terms of production and supply, and equally important is maintaining quality and consistent supply.

Minister Reddy also spoke about the Ministry of Agriculture’s plans to discuss with and open up the local tourism sector as a market pathway for local fruits and vegetables, as a substitute to limit the importation of fresh produce, highlighting the need for farmers to continue production and supply to all markets and consumers.

“We’re telling the tourism sector that you must support the local primary industries, support the local agriculture industry, and support our farmers and that they should buy local, this is all good news for farmers as you all are aware of the developments within the agriculture sector,” he said.

Additionally, Hon. Reddy shared that the Australian Government’s trial on the commercial importation of Fijian-grown kava, offered an opportunity for exporters to apply to import kava into Australia on a trial basis, opening up another prospect for yaqona farmers to step up production for their own benefit.

Meanwhile, Minister Reddy has also reminded farmers on Taveuni that the weedicide paraquat was now banned in Fiji and that farmers should refrain from using it on their farms as it posed health risks to consumers and also greatly affected the soil health of paraquat permeated farmland.

He will continue on his 3-day tour of Taveuni, meeting and discussing with farmers their issues and the best way forward with respect to developing the agricultural ventures on the island.

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