Fiji gets mobile soil testing laboratories
AS per request from the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways, the Government of India (GoI) gifted two custom-made Mobile Soil Testing laboratories to the Fijian Government under the GoI’s development partnership (Grant-inAid) Assistance.
On behalf of the Government of India, the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, His Excellency P. S. Karthigeyan handed over the Mobile laboratories to the Fijian Minister for Agriculture & Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu at a simple ceremony held on October 23, 2023, at the Koronivia Research Centre, near Suva. Also present on the occasion were other senior government officials, staff of Ministry of Agriculture and High Commission representatives.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Karthigeyan stated that India cherishes its close and time tested ties with Fiji and is privileged to partner with and contribute to Fiji’s nations building efforts.
Underlining the importance of Agricultural sector and India’s own journey from being a food importer to one of the largest exporters of food grains and agricultural goods in the world, HC Karthigeyan conveyed the readiness of India to share its expertise and capability with Fiji in growing Agriculture and allied sectors to its fullest potential.
In his remarks, the Minister for Agriculture & Waterways Vatimi Rayalu stated that Fiji is privileged to have India as a trusted development partner and thanked the Government of India for the timely assistance.
He stated that the Mobile Soil Laboratory will help to provide critical soil testing services and recommendations to farmers around the country and would greatly benefit the farming community.
He said the timely donations not only alleviates the logistical challenges faced by farmers in Fiji but also symbolises the deeprooted collaboration between Fiji and India.
He stated that the Government of India’s generous donation and unwavering support symbolises the beginning of a new era in the Fijian Agricultural sector where knowledge and technology intersects to cultivate prosperity in the farming communities.
India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. As per the request of the Government of Fiji, India had also previously donated a number of vehicles.
The newly gifted laboratories fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and worth $F179,752.30 will allow farmers to improve soil quality and profitability by the judicious use of fertiliser and adoption of best farming practices developed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways.
Previously, the Ministry for Agriculture & Waterways had only one mobile soil testing laboratory based in Western Division, for the entire country.