MINISTRY’S STRATEGIC PLAN TO DRIVE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Development Plan (SDG) for 2019-2023 will drive the agriculture sector towards a modernised and commercialised sector in the region.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy while officiating at the Strategic Development Plan –Workshop held in Suva. Minister Reddy urged senior officials of the ministry that the document will allow demand-driven approach for the agricultural sector and will ensure sustainability of non-sugar crops and livestock production, and improve the income, food and nutrition security of all Fijians.

“A Strategic Development Plan is not only something that we undertake, because it is compelled by Government. It is something that we do for ourselves, to move forward collectively and successfully as an Organisation,” Minister Reddy said.

“A Strategic Plan allows us to lay down the Ministry’s goals and strategies for the next five-years, based-on a sound evidence-based analysis of our internal and external environment and trends.”

During the initial stages of the draft Plan, the Ministry sought assistance from global partners like Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

Minister Reddy revealed that the strategic plan was revised in the latter half of 2018 to be in line with new Government priorities and updated sector trends. In the beginning of January 2019.

“With the urgent need to complete the Strategic Plan, we are very grateful to FAO for funding a consultant again to work with us.”