The Agriculture Ministry of Fiji has partnered with the landowning unit of Naselesele Village to convert 1,182 acres of trust land into commercial farmland, a development aimed at enhancing income for local landowners while establishing a national standard for agricultural advancement. Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, shared details of this initiative during a parliamentary session, highlighting its significance as the garden island contributes more than half of Fiji’s taro exports, along with considerable amounts of yaqona, fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
Minister Tunabuna emphasized that the island’s agricultural productivity is a reflection of its deep-rooted traditions and the collaborative relationship between farmers and the Ministry. The three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines cooperative efforts on aspects such as land use planning, crop nutrition, pest management, irrigation, and development of farm-to-market roads, while ensuring accessibility to quality seeds and machinery.
Under this agreement, the Ministry is committed to funding the initiative, providing Extension Officers, and implementing sustainable practices in land usage and environmental protection. The landowners have agreed to use the trust land strictly for commercial agriculture during the pilot phase. Moreover, the project will incorporate climate adaptation strategies, including the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, and has plans to expand to other communities in Taveuni and smaller maritime islands based on the results achieved.
Minister Tunabuna also addressed ongoing challenges faced by local crops, particularly the kava dieback, assuring that the Ministry is implementing biosecurity measures and providing disease-free planting materials. He noted that this MOU serves as a model for promoting inclusive and innovative agricultural practices, contributing to job creation, enhancing food security, and connecting even the most isolated villages to market opportunities.
This initiative symbolizes a profound step towards strengthening Fiji’s agricultural sector, as it not only aligns with recent government efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through various support programs but also reinforces a hopeful future of empowered communities ready to embrace modern farming techniques while preserving their cultural heritage. The commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and community development presents an optimistic outlook for rural livelihoods across Fiji.