The Agriculture Ministry of Fiji has joined forces with the landowning unit of Naselesele Village to transform 1,182 acres of trust land into commercial farmland, a move designed to boost income for local landowners and set a benchmark for agricultural development in the nation. During a parliamentary session, Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, underscored the importance of this initiative as more than half of Fiji’s taro exports originate from the island, alongside significant yields of yaqona, fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
Minister Tunabuna highlighted that the agricultural output on the island reflects the community’s long-standing traditions and the partnership between farmers and the Ministry. The newly established three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) will guide collaborative efforts in areas such as land use planning, crop nutrition, pest management, irrigation, and the development of farm-to-market roads, ensuring that farmers have access to quality seeds and the necessary machinery.
As part of this agreement, the Ministry is set to fund the project, deploy Extension Officers, and introduce sustainable practices that respect land usage and environmental protection. The landowners have committed to utilising the trust land exclusively for commercial agriculture during the project’s initial phase. Furthermore, the initiative will integrate climate adaptation strategies, such as cultivating drought-resistant crops, and aims to expand to other communities in Taveuni and surrounding maritime islands based on the outcomes achieved.
Minister Tunabuna also responded to the challenges faced by local crops, including the kava dieback issue, assuring that the Ministry is implementing biosecurity measures and providing disease-free planting materials to combat this problem. He indicated that this MOU exemplifies innovative and inclusive agricultural practices, facilitating job creation, boosting food security, and linking even the most remote villages to market opportunities.
This project represents a significant advancement for Fiji’s agricultural sector, aligning with recent government initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity through various support programs. It fosters a hopeful vision of empowered communities that are ready to adopt modern farming techniques while honouring their cultural heritage. The ongoing dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and community engagement suggests a bright future for rural livelihoods throughout Fiji, reinforcing the importance of agriculture in the nation’s economy and social fabric.