Agriculture export increases
FIJI’S agricultural exports increased by 43.7 percent in 2021 compared to 2019 to $284.9 million. This was highlighted by the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, while officiating at the British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji Star Farmers awards in Nadi recently.
Minister Koya stated that these figures show how farmers are contributing to the growth of the nation and the Fijian Government wants farmers to continue this good work.
“Now in the second year of this programme, and having endured the adverse effects of a pandemic, coupled with natural disasters, we are gathered again to create opportunities.
“Opportunities to continue upskilling our farmers, opportunities to adopt best practices, opportunities to grow and trade more, and opportunities for greater yield and income.
“When we had virtually no tourists coming to Fiji – our economy was cushioned by Fiji’s agriculture sector.
“In the past two years, we have seen significant growth in export of kava, ginger and tumeric amongst other spices. Compared to 2019, in 2021, the export of kava increased by 29 percent to $41.9 million, turmeric by 254 percent to $23 million, whilst spices grew by 175 percent to $31.9 million.”
Minister Koya highlighted that besides traditional crops, these are are the potential crops that Fijian farmers could venture into, during the offseason as well as many other agro-products that will do well in this region – such as pineapple, papaya and mangoes.
He said the Government also gave national recognition to farmers and their agricultural produce through the “Fijian Made - Buy Fijian” brand.
“When you carry the Fijian Made brand – you carry with you recognition of what Fijians are capable of - a mark of quality products and services we offer the world. So please, reach out to the Ministry and carry and become part of this campaign.”