Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica revealed that Fiji's agriculture sector (non-sugarcane) contributed 8.2 percent (689.3 million FJD) to total GDP last year and this showed a 3.7 percent growth as compared to 2020.
While speaking at the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry at the Sofitel Resort and Spa, Denarau, Kamikamica says agriculture and forestry remains the mainstay of Fiji's economy.
He says the World Bank further states that Agriculture is also crucial to economic growth, accounting for 4% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and in some least developing countries, it can account for more than 25% of GDP.
He adds the increasing achievements of the Ministry for Forestry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic years, helped to facilitate the highest export revenue in 10 years and continued Fiji's tree-planting campaign with an achievement of 12.5 million trees and mangroves in 3.5 years.
The Minister says greater progress is being made towards the sustainable management of forests through restoration, conservation and regulation, and the enhancement of forests for environmental services to improve the lives and livelihoods of all Fijians, both for the current and future generations.
