The dairy industry in Fiji is confronting substantial challenges in meeting the rising demand for milk, with local production falling drastically short of national requirements. According to Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna, the local annual demand for milk stands at approximately 70 million liters, while local farmers are currently able to produce only around seven million liters. This significant discrepancy necessitates a heavy reliance on imports, which Tunabuna deems unacceptable given the potential for local food production.
“Our biggest challenge now is to grow the industry and narrow the gap between production and demand,” Tunabuna remarked. He advocates for a collaborative effort involving industry stakeholders and the government to boost local production. The Minister emphasized the importance of providing young people with appropriate training to help expand food production, particularly in the dairy sector.
Recent efforts to address the production shortfall have included educational initiatives, such as the graduation of twelve individuals from the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, who received a Level 2 National Certificate in Agriculture focusing on Dairy Production. This training program is designed to equip participants with essential skills to enhance milk production processes.
Similar reports have highlighted that dairy farms are currently producing less than 50% of the national demand for milk, with challenges compounded by disease outbreaks affecting cattle, particularly tuberculosis. As the government seeks to enhance the local dairy sector, the Minister’s call for joined efforts and training programs aims to cultivate a more resilient agricultural landscape.
The situation outlines a crucial need for sustained investment in agriculture education and farming practices, echoing the sentiment expressed by farming advocates in Fiji’s history. The optimistic outlook is that through dedication and collaborative strategies, the local dairy industry can overcome its current hurdles, empowering farmers and contributing positively to national food security. As these initiatives gather momentum, there is hope for revitalizing not just the dairy sector but also the wider agricultural community in Fiji.