Last week's series of short workshops reminded growers and exporters the important roles that they play in strengthening agriculture and driving economic growth through production and trade.

In closing the last session that was held in Lawai Village, Nadroga on Friday last week, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana reminded participants that agriculture significantly boosts economic growth and provides essential livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and employment.

"Its impact spans all sectors, aiding overall economic development. These workshops are essential as we must ensure that our agricultural production is market-driven, and markets need to be secured before our production activities are implemented,” said Dr Tukana.

He stated that the Gross Domestic Product for 2023 was $FJD 10,846.4 million, with the non-sugarcane sector contributing FJD 759.3 million (7%), an increase of 6.9%.

"While our local production and tourist arrivals are rising, climate change and rural urban migration are pressuring farmers and stakeholders to perform ecologically to meet domestic and export market demands," said Dr Tukana.

"You have promoted knowledge sharing to encourage collaboration among Growers, Exporters, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and supply chain participants."

"Let us leave here inspired to collaborate, innovate, and proudly represent our agricultural products globally," said Dr Tukana.

Vandhna Shiwangni from Vinesh Exporter mentioned that the workshop offered valuable educational insights, encouraging growers and exporters to expand their farming efforts.

Vinesh Exporters has been operating for three years and exports fresh produce to New Zealand weekly. They export vegetables such as eggplant, pawpaw, curry leaves, turmeric, ginger, okra, and mango.

Ms. Shiwangni mentioned that she is new to the process and requires assistance from the government, specifically in obtaining a cooler, grates, and a packing shed.

The workshops aimed to create more awareness and knowledge sharing amongst growers and exporters and this will be in preparation towards the Mini Trade Forum which will take place in June 2025.

ENDS

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