Addressing the directors and senior staff yesterday, Dr. Tukana emphasized that, while the Ministry has achieved major milestones such as improved budget utilization, it must now focus on strengthening planning and ensuring effective communication of decisions and priorities from leadership to the field staff.

“Planning is very important. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” said Dr. Tukana.

“These workshops are vital as they bring us together, but we must ensure that what we agree here reaches everyone on the ground.”

He stressed the need for regular team meetings, encouraging senior managers to adopt a weekly planning routine with their teams to maintain accountability and ensure delivery of core functions.

Dr. Tukana also acknowledged the tireless efforts of staff across the Ministry that led to the Ministry’s significantly improved budget execution and recognition through the recent awards.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways received three awards during this year’s Civil Service Week - Best Service Standard, Best Service Delivery, and 2025 Customer Service Excellence.

The senior staff were reminded to convey the management’s sincere gratitude to all other staff in the Ministry and to continue providing exceptional services to the people of Fiji.

Dr. Tukana also thanked the Acting Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, and Assistant Minister Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna for their ongoing support after the passing of the former Minister. He also encouraged staff to sustain the momentum and collaborative spirit that has driven the Ministry forward.

As the Ministry prepares for upcoming national events such as the Agriculture Show, Dr Tukana urged all staff to work together to showcase the Ministry’s achievements, professionalism, and service delivery.

-Ends-