Rural and maritime farmers are confronting significant challenges related to payments within the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) system, prompting urgent calls for reform. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Inosi Kuridrani, has noted that the existing payment framework is inadequate for farmers living in remote areas.
During his recent engagements with farming communities in Vanua Levu, alongside discussions with AMA staff and Copra Millers in Savusavu, Kuridrani highlighted the continuous concerns raised by farmers regarding the inefficiencies of the payment system. Farmers reported issues such as unreliable mobile network coverage, delays in payment transfers, and persistent systemic failures, particularly pointing out problems with M-PAiSA.
Kuridrani revealed that many farmers are required to travel to urban centers merely to verify their payments, adding unnecessary financial burdens to their families. He underscored the crucial need to revamp the payment system to better meet the needs of rural communities, stating, “Agriculture cannot move forward if our farmers are left waiting. Changing the payment system to suit rural communities is not just a convenience but a necessity for fairness and sustainability.”
The Assistant Minister acknowledged that numerous rural farmers still rely heavily on cash transactions for their daily needs, such as food, school fees, and other essential expenses. He emphasized that while transitioning to digital payment systems may offer a partial solution, such methods are not always feasible for every community.
Kuridrani concluded that it is essential for the Agricultural Marketing Authority to reassess and enhance its payment processes to ensure that farmers receive timely and fair compensation tailored to their specific circumstances. This necessary shift is vital for improving the agricultural sector’s sustainability and supporting the livelihoods of those reliant on its success.