Taro Volume Decreased, but Value has Increased, says Minister Reddy

TThe volume of taro export from Fiji recorded a decline of 7.7 per cent this year (Jan –June), compared with the same period last year.

However, in terms of taro export value, it has increased by 12.2 per cent this year (Jan – June) as compared to the same period of last year.

Minister for Agriculture Mahendra Reddy said this was expected due to the devastated impact of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Yasa in December 2020

“During TC Yasa, the Northern Division was mainly affected as well as part of Eastern Division. Northern Division produces about 30 per cent of the total taro production in Fiji. TC Ana also brought heavy rains across the country,” he said.

“The demand for Fiji’s agricultural produce, especially taro, continues to increase over the years due to the increasing population of Pacific islanders in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

“Taro production in Fiji will gradually rise but other factors could affect the production in coming years.”

Overseas demand

He said Fiji could cater for the demand of taro from overseas.

“According to the recent Exporters

Survey carried out by the AgTrade Section in the four divisions, there is no shortage of taro in the exporters supply for exports.

The main varieties exported are Tausala and Uro-ni-Vonu which are adequate in supply by the farmers and exporters have not faced any disruptions in the supply chain so far,” Mr Reddy said.

Recommendations

“Some recommendations by the exporters were to subsidise the freight costs and provide cooler storages as these factors were the main reasons for their decrease in exports but seeking higher prices for their exports and this can be one of the reasons of why the taro volume has decreased but value has increased.

“The Ministry is looking into enhancing the production of major varieties being Tausala Dalo, Urunivono Dalo, and Yellow Dalo.

“The Ministry to promote the planting of all dalo but could also advise the farmers that the Urunivono and Tausala dalo have large export market potential.

“These are the dalo varieties the exporters are always looking for,” Mr Reddy said.