Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in Fiji, with 80 per cent of children under the age of two suffering from malnutrition and 50 per cent of school-aged children reported to be malnourished.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran mentioned this during her address at the National Farmers Awards held at Koroivolu Park in Nadi.
She highlighted the urgent need to tackle undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.
She stressed the need to refocus on nutrition, innovation, and inclusive agricultural growth to ensure Fiji’s long-term health and food security.
Kiran is urging families to return to traditional practices of growing and processing practices.
She emphasised the nutritional benefits of local crops such as saijan, bele, and rourou, encouraging households to grow these nutrient-rich plants.
She also stressed the importance of growing food at home not just during crises but as a sustainable way to improve national health and reduce household food expenses.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for hosting the annual Agriculture Show, describing it as a space for learning, innovation, networking, and recognising the hard work and creativity of our farmers.
She commended the Ministry’s efforts in launching the Non-Sugar Agriculture Crop Policy and mainstreaming gender in its programmes.
Kiran reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Fiji Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan WEE NAP 2025–2030, which seeks to increase women’s participation in commercial agriculture and improve access to tools, technology, and markets.
She honoured the awardees and celebrated the active involvement of women and youth in agriculture.
She says their perseverance through challenges, embrace of new technologies, and ability to create opportunities for others make them champions of change.
She stressed that agriculture is a powerful pathway for empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
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