The Ministry of Agriculture has today announced 27 agricultural support programmes to boost agriculture development in the country for increased productivity and to boost foreign exchange earnings from the sector.

The 27 programmes feature recurring development programmes that were implemented during the last 2021-2022 financial year with the inclusion of some new and revitalized programmes that are targeted at further promoting the expansion of commercial agriculture in the country.

While announcing the programmes today (04.08.22) at the Legalega Research Station in Nadi, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy said the programmes complemented current efforts undertaken by the Ministry.

Hon. Reddy reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s allocation of $29.2million would be provided directly to support farmers to maintain a sustainable level of national food security and to boost their production which would in turn create more surplus for exports.

“These programs will help farmers deal with the costs of stabilizing markets post-pandemic, cushion the effects of the Russian and Ukrainian conflicts, raise farm outputs and boost exports.

“The 27 initiatives, along with other farmers’ direct support, total more than $29.2 million equivalent to 45 per cent of the total 2022-2023 Ministry of Agriculture budget. This is the largest post-production, supply, and export package ever,” said Minister Reddy.

Consequently, the support provided will be divided into two categories:

(I) For individuals who have never received MoA assistance before and;

(II) For those who have received assistance in the past and have established themselves well, can now expand their farming businesses even further.

The 27 programmes are further grouped as follows and have their own respective requirements per programme:

The Commercial Agriculture Crop Farming Initiatives encompasses Farm Shed Support programme, Hydroponics Farming System Support, Irrigation Kit Support, Borehole Support, Small Farming and Agro-Processing Equipment, Women in Agriculture, Fruit Tree Orchard Development and Organic Development programme.

The Commercial Agriculture Livestock Farming Initiatives include Fencing Kit Support for Beef, Goat and Sheep respectively, Beef Stock Yard, Goat Shed, Goat Rearing, Sheep Shed, Small Holder Dairy, Pig Farrowing Crates, Piggery Pan Development, Home Biogas Digester and Poultry Shed programme.

Additionally, Farm Mechanization initiatives include Small Farming Equipment and Agro-processing machines, Yaqona Commercial Farming Equipment, Farm Mechanization, and Rice Harvester.

There are also allocations for the continuation of the Commercial Farmers Equity Package, Land Preparation for Young Commercial Farmers and Infrastructure Support to Exporters and Agro-Processors and subsequently, the allocation of $7million going towards the outsourcing of Agriculture machinery for the hiring of tractors, diggers and bulldozers for land clearing and preparation work.

“From today midday 4th August, the 27 programs will be advertised online and will remain open till 31st August 2022,” said Minister Reddy.

“The information on the initiatives can be electronically accessed on the Ministry of Agriculture website. We encourage farmers, agribusiness owners, and agro exporters to apply for this assistance,” he added.

The application packages for these programmes are available via the Ministry of Agriculture website on www.agriculture.gov.fj and its social media platforms.

-Ends-

• ← Go to all Press Releases