The Agriculture Ministry has reported substantial progress in rural development, having constructed 73 farm roads since 2023, with an additional 13 planned for 2025-2026. Minister Tomasi Tunabuna highlighted the transformative impact of the Farm Access Program during a recent address to Parliament, noting its role in connecting isolated communities to essential markets, schools, and services.
This initiative is crucial for farmers, as it enables them to expand their production capabilities, diversify crop offerings, and subsequently, increase their incomes. The Central Division stands out with a notable achievement, having successfully built 36 roads over the course of two years, benefiting over 700 households. Other divisions, including Western with 25 roads, Northern with five, and Eastern with seven, collectively extend the impact to over 1,700 households nationwide.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to construct seven new roads in the Central Division, four in the Western, and one each in the Northern and Eastern divisions next year. However, Minister Tunabuna cautioned about potential delays attributed to lengthy tender processes, adverse weather conditions, competing ministry contracts, and budget constraints, which could impact the timely completion of these projects. Despite these challenges, him asserting the program’s critical role in empowering farmers emphasizes the government’s commitment to improving rural incomes and bolstering Fiji’s agricultural sector.
This initiative aligns with an overarching government focus on enhancing rural infrastructure, as echoed by earlier statements from Rural and Maritime Development Minister Sakiasi Ditoka. He emphasized the government’s dedication to bridging development inequalities and unlocking the potential within rural communities. Investments in infrastructure are seen as essential for fostering economic empowerment and ensuring sustainable access to essential services.
The combined efforts signal a hopeful direction for Fiji’s rural farmers, promising enhanced access to essential markets and services, which will not only uplift agricultural productivity but also contribute to a healthier and more resilient economy.