Fiji and India are taking significant steps to enhance their cooperation in the fields of agriculture, sugar production, livestock, and rural development. This initiative comes as Fiji embarks on modernizing its agri-industrial sector while aiming to establish climate-resilient food systems.
During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, engaged in discussions with India’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The focus of their talks revolved around crucial elements such as technology transfer, capacity building, and the development of long-term collaborative efforts.
Minister Tunabuna emphasized Fiji’s commitment to transitioning towards smart and digital agriculture. He outlined several key areas of priority including the adoption of drone technology, the use of nano-fertilizers, implementation of advanced irrigation systems, and the modernization of the sugar industry. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of livestock and dairy development as integral components of this comprehensive strategy.
The discussions also touched upon the exploration of practical partnerships that could involve creating digital registries for farms and livestock, enhancing value-added processing capabilities, promoting sugar bio-industries, and managing food waste effectively. An exciting prospect is the proposed establishment of a Fiji–India Agriculture, Sugar, Livestock, and Bio-Industries Working Group, which would operate under the auspices of pilot projects and a multi-year cooperation framework.
This collaboration between Fiji and India reflects a forward-thinking approach to agriculture, ensuring both nations are equipped to tackle modern challenges in the sector while fostering innovation and resilience in food production. This partnership not only aims to bolster agricultural practices but also to enhance food security and sustainability in both countries.