Fiji currently imports an average of 100 tonnes of mushrooms annually, valued at around $1 million.

This was announced this morning during the handing over of 13 shredders at the Legalega Research Station in Nadi to assist farmers with their mushroom production as well as livestock feed.

Speaking at the handing over, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu said that the assistance comes under Phase 3 of the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Project, made possible through the generous China Aid Program in collaboration with the National Engineering Research Center of Juncao Technology of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China.

“Our journey began on 17th October 2014, more than 10 years ago, with the construction of the Juncao Technology Demonstration Center right here at Legalega Research Station,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“Through 61 comprehensive training programs, we have successfully trained over 2,800 individuals and last year, 12 local participants attended specialized short courses in China to broaden their knowledge of Juncao Technologies.”

“In the last five years, the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center, in collaboration with the Ministry, has supplied more than 2.2 million Juncao grass cuttings to 1,200 livestock farmers across Fiji and also provided over 450,000 mushroom substrates to more than 2,800 farmers and stakeholders.”

“Over 200 mushroom farmers and stakeholders were also supported during the COVID-19 pandemic for food security and quick income generation,” added Hon. Rayalu.

Hon. Rayalu added that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us valuable lessons to revise our policy measures and incentives to address the impact of compounding food crises.

“These shredders are drivers for common development – for poverty alleviation and eradication.”

The initial phase of this project introduced eight varieties of edible mushrooms as a new food source to our local communities, along with two varieties of Giant Juncao grass, known as the "super grass."

This remarkable grass serves multiple purposes:

As a medium for growing mushrooms;

As livestock feed; and

For agro-ecological practices to stabilize river banks.

“This morning's handover of shredder machines represents our commitment to establishing more demonstration sites, increasing local mushroom production, providing high-protein livestock feed, and supporting small-scale farmers in building sustainable livelihoods.”

He added that we face significant challenges in Fiji, from escalated food prices due to import dependence to our vulnerability to climate change.

“However, through environment-friendly technologies like Juncao, we are building climate-resilient agriculture that strengthens our food security while protecting our environment.”

Hon. Rayalu expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of the People's Republic of China and the expert team from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.

“Your commitment to transferring this valuable technology to our people demonstrates the true spirit of international cooperation and supports our progress toward meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

48-year old Sulueti Kabukabu, a dairy farmer in Serea, Naitasiri thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the technical experts at the Juncao Demonstration Centre for the timely assistance.

"Chopping up Juncao grass is a time consuming activity but now I will be able to utilise this machine and prepare quality livestock feed as well as expand my already growing mushroom production using Juncao for my substrates," added Ms Kabukabu.

"I encourage women across Fiji to engage in agriculture and help support your families through food and income security.

ENDS

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