Agriculture growth vital

TRADE Minister Manoa Kamikamica says growth in the agriculture sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest when compared with other sectors.

He shared this with regional agricultural experts who are part of the week-long Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry conference on Denarau.

“In the South West Pacific Region, agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed the projected 9.7 billion people by 2050, as reported by the World Bank in September 2022,” Mr Kamikamica said.

“The World Bank further states that agriculture is also crucial to economic growth, accounting for 4 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and in some least developing countries, it can account for more than 25 per cent of GDP.

“This platform aims to strengthen multi-stakeholder alliances in the region and mobilise multi-donor support for implementing joint actions that foster food and nutrition security through agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.”

He said the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) platform was also an opportunity to promote local food crop value chain development for better income and nutritive outcomes in the Pacific island states.

Mr Kamikamica said it would also provide an opportunity to share knowledge, science and technologies to benefit stakeholders and sustain the development of agriculture.

Drawing from the theme, “Growing Together – Transforming Pacific Agriculture and Forestry,” Fiji being the host has developed more than 33 side events that focus on providing a comprehensive look at the regional landscape of food security.ww