LET’S GO AGRICULTURE

AS TOURISM STRUGGLES, AGRICULTURE HAS BECOME FIJI’S BIG HOPE TO BOOST THE ECONOMY. FIJI SUN TOOK TO THE STREETS AND ASKED THE PUBLIC: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO INCREASE FIJI’S AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT? Reports by Mereleki Nai, Ilaijia Ravuwai, Shratika Naidu and Nicolette Chambers.

Leilani Waqanibau, Lautoka I feel agriculture should have been a priority for Fiji instead of tourism. Most land has been developed for tourism when they could have been used for large commercial agriculture. With that in hindsight, it seems everyone is farming, small scale and large scale, but are they farming effectively? So, we just need to farm effectively in every aspect – livestock and plant. Take farming seriously and effectively. Anyone can be a farmer, but we need to farm effectively.

Cynthia Chandra, Lautoka Every imported good that we rely on, we should try producing them here in our own country so that we don’t rely on other countries to help increase our economy. For example, in Australia they are not affected that much because they don’t run with what money they get from importing certain goods. We can learn and practise from these big nations.

Evelyn Damuyawa, Lautoka I believe that everything starts from home. A lot of people are now fishing, which is awesome, while some have started planting vegetables, but I believe we can do more and expand into cattle farming. During this global crisis, Government should step in to provide employment opportunities in farming for those who lost their jobs in the tourism industry.

Aliti Bukavesi, Lautoka I personally feel that the very thing we can do to increase our agricultural output is to make use of the land that we have available here and use technology. With the assistance from Government in providing the needed technology and land to farm, people can use their skills to help Government produce and export our own product.

Asinate Tagi, Nasinu Fijians around the country have always had the upper hand with vacant lots that could be used for commercial farming. We are living in very uncertain times and this has to be the new norm. Work on what is available with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Jovesa Biau, Newtown Fijians who are unemployed need to reach out to the Ministry of Agriculture so that the ministry can assist. The ministry has made available funds and resources that needs to be used to boost commercial agriculture in the country.

Kamal Deo, Labasa I think people should do more root crop farming so that in case there is shortage of rice we can eat root crops like what our forefathers used to do. Rice import is the highest in Fiji and we need to think seriously about practising what our forefathers used to do.

Jordon James, Lautoka I think we should all help one another, for example by giving land to families who don’t have any land to plant. Government has so much unused land, which they can divide and give to families to help them start with their farming venture. This is better than giving money.

Siteri Adidreu, Suva Government should create more incentives for Fijians who want to get into commercial farming. Also, those who are to be in this business should be adamant that they can improve and build on the standard already set by the agriculture sector.

Vidaya Wati, Labasa We all can do backyard vegetable farming. The weather is suitable, Government is supportive by providing vegetable seeds through Ministry of Agriculture. So a little sacrifice of time and energy will be of great advantage.

Osea Tabua, Nasinu I work for the Ministry of Sugar and Fijians need to realise that this is the next best thing for our economy right now. Kudos to the Government, for providing the funding for this commercial agriculture scheme.

Ana Marama, Suva I think Government and relevant stakeholders should conduct more consultation programmes that will keep people informed about getting into this lucrative business. It is successful around the country.

Mereoni Rokosevua, Nadi I think we can just use the agricultural machineries that we have instead of the ones that have been imported. This is a good time for us to make use of the land so that we can use the local produce.

Sukh Deo, Labasa I believe if we farm more local fruits then we won’t need to import apples, pears and oranges from overseas. Our local fruits are very tasty and free from diseases. So, let us do more local fruit farming.

Meliki Tatawaqa, Labasa I am a cassava farmer and I have seen the benefits. I suggest people to do cassava farming so that Government can be in a position to export for us and we can have some money

Sevanaia Naqali, Nadi The only way we can increase our agricultural output is to make use of the land and plant more food. We have to do away with some foods we import from overseas.

Jusnil Sharma, Nadi The increase in our agricultural output depends on farmers’ contribution. The Ministry of Agriculture should help farmers increase farming production.

Ved Wati, Labasa I think people who have rice farming skills should take the initiative to plant more rice so that Government does not have to spend money on importing rice.

Rajesh Kumar, Nadi We should plant more. Government needs to help us start some of our farming businesses and we pay them back.

Alvin Lal, Nadi I think more backyard vegetables gardens can increase our agriculture output.