Ginger continues to be one of the successful export commodities for Fiji

Ginger continues to be one of the successful export commodities for Fiji and is currently in demand from the USA, Europe, Australia, NZ, and the Asian markets.

While speaking during the opening of the National Ginger Workshop Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu stated that ginger export volume for 2022 was 1,219.3 tonnes, a 5.4 percent decrease compared to 2021 with an export value of $6.9 million – a positive growth of 8.9 percent as compared to 2021.

He says over the years, the ginger industry has provided employment, sustained our farmers’ socio-economic livelihood, contributed significantly to our export earnings, and has been the main source of income for our local ginger suppliers and retailers.

Rayalu also says Fiji’s export earnings recorded a positive outlook at the national level as well as in the agriculture sector and sub-sectors whereby in 2022, the agriculture sector contributed $927.5 million, of the Total National Domestic Export Earnings.

He says the agricultural sector’s contribution was attributed to the production and sales of crops, livestock, fish and fish products, forest products, sugar and sugar products, water, alcohol, and other food products.

Rayalu says the increase in export value of fresh, chilled crops and livestock was mainly contributed by the growth in the export of taro, ginger, eggs, and other vegetables, the meat of chicken, cassava, other fresh fruits, and other root crops in 2022 as compared to 2021.

The Minister says today, there are 750 registered ginger growers in Fiji of which cultivate ginger for both the domestic and international markets therefore, to ensure that our ginger sector continues to flourish, the Fiji Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways continues to provide support to our farmers and processors, supported with land preparations, farming materials, and agro-inputs.

In addition, the Ministry has also initiated a Food Processor and an Exporter Support Programme specifically for our exporters which assists up to $100,000 per recipient including the provision of Ginger Sterilization Juice Machines or Value-Adding Machines.