The Ministry of Agriculture's focus on leading the transformational agenda as an impetus towards incremental growth for the recognition of women and youth in agriculture remains steadfast.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy while addressing the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) Solutions Forum which was held in Samoa. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Samoa national office co-hosted the PSIDS Solutions Forum to collaboratively report on the partnership developed to advance the recommendations of the 2021 global SIDS Solutions Forum.

The 2022 Pacific SIDS Solutions Forum with the theme “Working together to leave no one behind” provides the Ministry of Agriculture with opportunities to follow up and build upon, the global SIDS Solutions Forum of 2021.

Minister Reddy said efforts were being made to provide the necessary support to recognize the efforts made by women groups and youth, particularly in establishing opportunities for greener jobs that were sustainable and more environmentally friendly.

“The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to engage and build strong lasting partnerships with all relevant internal stakeholders, potential investors, donor partners and agencies and communities as we continue to progress towards our vision to “Grow Beyond”.

‘’There is a need for modern organized agriculture, an integrated support infrastructure, a strengthened agriculture support service, improved capability in investment and international cooperation,’’ said Dr. Reddy.

“Our Youth and Children are our future and we have to create pathways that will enable our youths and children to access nutritious food and manage agricultural practices and agri-food systems that provide sustainable, healthy and affordable diets for all.” 

He elaborated that in order to achieve natural positive food production systems, climate smart agriculture practices must be adopted to manage and restore nature while meeting global fundamental human rights to healthy and nutritious food for all. 

Dr. Reddy added the Ministry of Agriculture through its programmes, policies and projects supported economic recovery, and rejuvenated private sector activity to protect jobs, and assist the unemployed while also maintaining overall macro–fiscal sustainability.

“The support programmes currently in place are to address the impact of COVID-19 and pursue opportunities that ensure food and income security and sustainable livelihoods for all Fijians focusing on building community resilience in Fiji’s Agriculture Sector,” said Dr. Reddy.

The forum also heard of the support required by the Fijian Government from the FAO and other Pacific countries and development partners which included technical support on export packaging and testing, food processing and other off farm livelihood enterprise assistance; support with Geographic Information System (GIS) based management system to be used in the integrated research, training, production and processing system; assistance with the development of Dairy Industry (smallholder farms); Rice industry development, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry.

The PSIDS Solutions Forum concluded this week.

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