“Agriculture is one of the main contributors to our Gross Domestic Product contributing 8.2 percent as of March 2023."

This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Hon. Biman Prasad at the closing of the National Agriculture Show at the Vodafone Arena last night.

“I firmly believe that timely and effective implementation of solid agricultural policies is the backbone of agriculture and rural development. Our government is committed to ensuring that basic services are extended to the rural areas and outer islands to ensure that inequity in urban and rural settings are significantly reduced,” said DPM Prasad.

“Farmers efforts and labor-intensive work are invaluable, therefore their interests and well-being must always be kept at the forefront of Government strategic and policy discussions.”

DPM Prasad congratulated around 35 recipients of the Special Awards, Farmers of the Year Awards, and Livestock Awards and thanked them for their dedication and sacrifices and said that every farmer is a winner.

“Farmers around the country need to be thanked for their endless sacrifices and determination as they aspire to grow food for our nation. Their hard work must be commended.”

Livestock Farmer of the Year, 62-year-old Samisoni Manewa is grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for their support and assistance over the years.

“I am thankful to be nominated as winner for this year’s Livestock Category and I vow to continue to excel in all my farming activities,” smiled Mr Manewa.

Prize winners for the show traveled from as far as Vanua Levu showing their unwavering support and commitment to the passion that they have for farming.

Meanwhile, ministry executive members vowed that the agriculture show will only get bigger and better in the future.

The ministry also thanks the numerous sponsors that stepped in to assist them in executing a successful agriculture show.

-Ends-

• ← Go to all Press Releases