In his Budget Response Address earlier this week, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna reaffirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is dedicated to enhancing the sector by providing robust support to farmers, developing our export markets, and ensuring the protection of our environment, and our flora and fauna from potential pests and diseases.

“By collaborating with various stakeholders, we aim to boost agricultural production, facilitate trade, uphold biosecurity measures, and strengthen Fiji’s food security,” stressed Hon. Tunabuna.

“In pursuit of our goals, the Ministry has set a target to achieve a total export value of $1 billion in agriculture, for fresh/ frozen produce, over the next five years.”

He added that the Research Division is committed to embracing innovative practices that promote increased productivity, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability and the ministry is investing significantly in research and development to improve agriculture production and building our economy.

Below are key figures that he highlighted in parliament:

As part of the ministry’s initiative to enhance food systems, a program has been designed to assist sugarcane farmers who are interested in re purposing their land for alternative crops. The ministry is allocating a budget of $168,750 to support these farmers in cultivating supplementary cash crops, including vegetables, pulses, and rice, to help diversify their income sources.

Recognizing the heavy reliance on synthetic pesticides by many farmers to manage pests and weeds, the ministry is undertaking a Biological Control Initiative with an allocation of $97,800. This initiative emphasizes the adoption of sustainable pest and weed management methods, and to facilitate the transition towards a safer and environmentally friendly farming practice.

Our frontline biosecurity officers are instrumental in safeguarding Fiji from harmful pests and diseases that can endanger our unique biodiversity, our primary production, economic activities, global trade, and public health. An additional grant of $2.2 million will be allocated to support initiatives such as Control and Surveillance, the Termites Project, the acquisition of x-ray machines, and enhanced Plant Pest Incursion Response and Management programs.

To enhance agricultural productivity, farmers are encouraged to utilize soil sampling and testing services provided by the Ministry in Koronivia, as well as through mobile soil labs serving the Western and Northern Divisions. These mobile labs play a vital role in delivering essential support directly to farmers, and the Ministry has allocated $168,750 to fund this initiative.

Fiji currently exports papaya, eggplant, and mango, - all of which are susceptible to fruit flies – High Temperature Forced Air (HTFA) treatment is used to meet export standards. To strengthen this critical process, a budget of $112,500 has been allocated to develop Vapour Heat Treatment as an additional disinfection method.

The Ministry is committed to revitalizing and strengthening the resilience of yaqona by introducing 13 noble yaqona varieties across diverse agro-ecological zones in Fiji. $782,600 is allocated to support scientific research and innovation, the program also prioritizes pest and disease management, including $400,000 dedicated to combating Kava Dieback Disease and other threats to yaqona production through awareness and technical support for farmers.

The Sustainable Land Management (SLM) initiative has been allocated $800,000 to support SLM practices across all farming communities, thereby ensuring long-term productivity, soil health, and environmental preservation. The Ministry intends to promote methods such as crop rotation, organic composting, and efficient water usage.

Among new initiatives, the Ministry will extend support to the inaugural FDB-Green Climate Fund project, which involves civil works valued at $1.4 million. This solar power generation and agriculture project is anticipated crop yield over 100 tons annually, providing sustenance, employment, and income to residents of Bureta and the 27 communities on Ovalau.

An allocation of $6.9 million has been designated for the Committee for the Better Utilization of Land (CBUL) program. This allocation provides subsidies to landowners to encourage the leasing of their land for agricultural purposes. The Ministry will conduct a thorough evaluation and review of the current recipients to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective use of resources.

In line with our ongoing commitment to reducing imports and minimizing expenditures, one of our new initiatives will ensure that schools cultivate their own food through backyard farms for consumption, educational purposes, and income generation. Food waste will be redirected to the school's farm for feed and manure A budget of $97,000 will be provided to support these educational institutions.

The climate-smart agriculture program is a pathway towards food security and is built on three pillars and these are increasing productivity and incomes, enhancing resilience of livelihoods and ecosystems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry has allocated a budget of $287,500.00 for this initiative.

Kava investment in Fiji has grown due to strong economic returns. In 2024, Fiji exported 730 metric tonnes of kava, earning $53 million, the highest export value recorded in the last 12 years, breaking the $50 million threshold. The Coalition Government has allocated a budget of $1.4 million for the Yaqona Farming Programme. This investment will revolutionize Yaqona production and processing practices, guaranteeing compliance with strict international market regulations and standards, including those set by the USA (FDA).

In addition, in 2024, Fiji achieved a 12-year high with 5,540 tonnes of taro exports valued at $41.3 million, a 3.6% increase. To sustain this growth, we have allocated a budget of $978,000, a 96% increase to support our dalo farmers under the “Dalo Farming Programme.”

In 2024, Fiji exported $25.2 million worth of turmeric, marking a 1.6% increase and the highest earnings in the last 12 years. We have allocated a total budget of $394,000 under our “Spices Farming Programme” specifically to scale up turmeric production in Fiji.

To boost exports and support farmers and exporters, we are investing $0.9 million in the “Ginger Farming Programme”, a 29% increase from the previous fiscal year, to help maintain the upward export trend.

The Coalition Government recognizes the economic significance of Cocoa and Coffee in Fiji and their untapped potential and is allocating a budget of $168,750 for the Cocoa Farming Programme to establish and expand existing cocoa and coffee farms in Fiji.

The E-Agriculture Strategy represents a forward-thinking approach for the Ministry, focusing on the digitization of certain manual processes. This strategy aims to create a supportive and user-friendly platform for farmers who have limited access to internet connectivity, while also enhancing existing online platforms to function across various divisions. A total of $112,500 has been allocated for the implementation of this new program.

An additional $112,500 supports the Agri-tourism Programme, focusing on upgrading post-harvesting and storage infrastructure for hotel suppliers and expanding protected farming systems to improve consistency and quality.

Additionally, $112,500 is designated for the Agriculture Commodity Value Added Producer Programme to expand existing agriculture SMEs at strategic geographical locations, creating vital market outlets for our farmers.

A total budget of $112,500 is also allocated for Agriculture Market Scoping & Intel, and $225,000 in AgTrade for other trade facilitation activities.

The livestock sub-sector is receiving targeted and comprehensive budget support for rural farmers, including $100,000 for the Piggery Extension Program to improve rural and maritime piggery infrastructure, and $365,000 for the Poultry Extension Program to supply day-old chicks, feeds, and infrastructure.

The Sheep Extension and Research Program is allocated $748,100 to enhance farm development, genetics, nutrition, and farmer training.

A significant investment of $2.3 million and $3.9 million are directed to the Beef and Dairy Industries respectively, marking a bold advancement for the sector overall.

The Ministry is making significant progress in its ongoing efforts to eradicate brucellosis and tuberculosis, two major zoonotic diseases impacting Fiji’s cattle population, by allocating $1.46 million for their control and management.

An additional $1.5 million is being invested to continue the Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Programme, reinforcing the commitment to livestock health and agricultural safety.

To tackle the risks of animal waste disposal to both the environment and public health, a $112,500 allocation has been made under the Animal Waste Management Programme to support farmers. The initiative provides home biogas digesters, encouraging sustainable waste practices that benefits farmers while safeguarding the environment

The Ministry in response to numerous complaints regarding stray livestock, including cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. Stray animal had been causing extensive losses and damage to all crops including sugarcane. $596,200 has been allocated for a targeted Stray Animal Campaign.

The Ministry is also tackling the growing issue of stray dogs nationwide. Development and Growth of both the Sheep and the Goat Industries had been restricted from losses to dog attacks, worms, nutrition, high input costs and management practices. To address these issues, the Ministry has allocated $337,500 and will work with Animal Welfare Organisations to enhance its dog control and de-sexing activities through the community outreach programmes.

For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Waterways Division has been allocated with $25.5 million. This includes $3.1 million aimed at preventing river bank erosion from floodwaters, and $1.9 million for Watershed Management to construct the Creek Flood Retention Dam in the Upper Ba River Catchment and hire a Consultant to develop the National Waterways Policy.

The government has allocated $3.9 million to the Maintenance of Drainage Systems for Non-Municipal Areas Programme, supporting the three re-established Drainage Boards and maintaining existing drainage scheme.

Additionally, $1.1 million has been allocated for the 2025/2026 Coastal Erosion Protection Works Programme, focusing on vital infrastructure projects across Avea Village (Vanuabalavu), Nasau Village (Koro Island), Nalotu Village (Kadavu), and 17 other villages Fiji wide.

The Drainage for Farmlands Programme, is allocated $1.1 million. This is to establish and maintain drainage systems that effectively provides solutions for waterlogged farmland areas across the Central, Northern, and Western Divisions.

Additionally, the Drainage for Rural Residential Areas Programme, is also allocated with a budget of $1.1 million, which will ensure comprehensive maintenance and development of drainage systems in rural residential areas across the Central (37), Northern (28), Western (20), and Eastern (2) Divisions.

The Dredging Works initiative aims to reduce flood risks by clearing major rivers of sediment and debris to improve water flow. $7.3 million has been allocated to dredge the Denarau River in Nadi.

The Irrigation Support programme provides support for farmer’s to mitigate changing weather pattern and drought. The programme will provide farmers with irrigation kits and multipurpose irrigation water source. Its goals include boosting farm productivity, improving water management, and safeguarding food security. A budget of $112,500 has been allocated for this programme for the 2025/26 financial year.

Farm mechanization in Fiji focuses on boosting efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, not just using machines. 4.4 million has been allocated in the 2025/2026 budget to help farmers advance mechanized farming practices in the crop sector as well as for the construction of farm roads.

Hon. Tunabuna highlighted in parliament that this budget supports the 10-Year Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy, the National Development Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This budget is pertinent and timely; it will provide assistance to our rural population, who are in immediate need of solutions to their current challenges.”

ENDS

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