Northern farmers interested to sign a contract with AMA
July 17, 2020
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CEO AMA Mr.Alvin Sharma (2nd from Left) talking to farmers during his tour to the northern division.
Farmers in the Northern Division were enlightened on the benefits of contractual farming with Agricultural Marketing Authority of Fiji (AMA) during their recent trip to the North.
Following the awareness meeting with the suppliers, farmers and staff, the Chief Executive Officer Mr Alvin Sharma confirmed the company’s partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
“AMA will soon sign a contract with interested farmers and collaborate with Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to get the qualifying farmers to become members of the Fund,” he said.
The benefit of contract farming was further elaborated during the farmers Talanoa session in addition to the allocated 20 acres of land by the farmers of Navave Village in Bua for the developing of planting and supplying to AMA.
Additional farmers from Seaqaqa, Dreketi, Wainikoro, Navave Village and Dama in Bua have shown interest to be contractual farmers with AMA.
According to the Agriculture Marketing Authority of Fiji, 150 farmers in the Northern Division are supplying commodities such as cassava, dalo, duruka, chillies, ginger, and seafood for local and export market.
In addition to crops, the AMA is also investing in aqua farmers buying fish from fishermen of Qaranivai Village near Udu Point who have been suppliers to the company for the past two years.
“More fishers from nearby villages have also expressed interest in supplying fish to AMA and these fishers will also become contracted aqua farmers of AMA soon,” said Mr Sharma.
Furthermore, the entourage received 20 Taveuni farmers interested in AMA’S contractual farming concept.
“With a positive response from farmers in Taveuni the Ministry of Agriculture and AMA will now conduct a ‘Land Use Survey’ at their respective farms,” said Mr Sharma.
For the way forward, a team from the Agricultural Marketing Authority of Fiji will later resume operation for the signing of contracts with farmers in the Northern Division.
-Ends-
