FarmBoy Fiji is actively pursuing export opportunities to China aimed at enhancing revenue for local farmers and widening its agricultural footprint. Managing Director Kamlesh Prasad has highlighted the unique qualities of wild-grown turmeric sourced from Navosa, which is noted for its rich color and flavor, positioning Fijian turmeric as a competitive player in international markets.
Prasad emphasizes the importance of adding value to agricultural products, asserting that farmers need to reap more benefits than simply selling raw produce. Currently, FarmBoy processes turmeric into powder and is set to introduce turmeric tea, soap, and health tablets in the upcoming year. Additionally, the company is scheduled to showcase its turmeric, cassava flour, honey, and kava at the World Farm Show in China, which will attract representatives from 177 countries.
Although Fiji lacks direct export channels for turmeric to China at this stage, Prasad is determined to establish these trade routes during his visit. He expressed a vision of expanding production while ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation, stating, “If the farmers get full benefit, the country also improves. So it is a win-win situation.”
He believes that Fiji can achieve recognition as a significant agricultural exporter by emphasizing sustainable, chemical-free farming practices, value-added processing, and equitable returns for local growers. This approach supports farmers who have been supplying FarmBoy for over two decades.
FarmBoy Fiji, a local agribusiness based in Nadi, supplies a variety of fresh and processed agricultural products across the nation. The company prides itself on its collaboration with local farmers, sourcing crops like turmeric, cassava, honey, and kava, and transforming some of these raw products into value-added goods.
Fiji’s burgeoning turmeric industry is highlighted by its recent emphasis on export growth. In 2023, Fiji’s turmeric exports reached $24.8 million, a notable increase from $21.6 million in 2022. However, concerns over fluctuating prices and the stability of farmers’ incomes remain prevalent issues, prompting calls for supportive measures akin to those provided to other agricultural sectors.
The commitment of FarmBoy Fiji to expand its offerings and tap into new markets underscores a sense of optimism for the future. Turmeric’s potential growth not only has the capacity to elevate farmers’ incomes but also to enrich Fiji’s agricultural landscape and bolster the economy, fostering a promising outlook for both local farmers and the nation as a whole.