The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is intensifying its support for farmers by enhancing the digital skills of its field officers. In 2025, the Land Resources Planning Division (LRPD) implemented practical training sessions in Ba Province, which encompassed regions such as Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, and Nadi.
The focus of these training programs was to equip staff with vital tools like Survey123 and ArcGIS, which are crucial for improving farm-level data collection, mapping, and production planning. The impact of this initiative was immediate; data gathered during the training sessions supported a comprehensive pineapple survey that facilitated the successful export of locally grown pineapples to the New Zealand market. This significant achievement has opened new trade avenues for local farmers.
Recently, the Ministry wrapped up another series of Basic GIS and Survey123 training for officers in Tailevu Province. These sessions further enhance the officers’ abilities in digital mapping and data collection, enabling them to monitor crop outputs more accurately, track agricultural activities, and offer informed strategies to producers.
The synergy of this training and the launch of the new pineapple survey underscores the government’s dedication to refining agricultural planning, increasing productivity, and broadening access to both domestic and international markets. Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to extend future training programs to additional regions in Fiji, ensuring that farmers nationwide are better prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving global agricultural landscape. This commitment not only enhances the skills of agricultural stakeholders but also promises a brighter future for Fiji’s agricultural sector.