There are still large tracts of underutilized land available nationwide and this needs to be used for agriculture, considering the impact the recent spate of natural disasters had on the agriculture sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy has stressed this while holding talanoa sessions with farmers of Korotale, Ellington, Naria and Rarapatu in Ra and Yasiyasi in Tavua.
He says there are plans to further incentivise farmers and interested Fijians to enter into agriculture.
Dr Reddy says the government is well aware of the need to fast-track the rehabilitation of affected areas, highlighting the immediate priority was securing the food security of those severely affected.
Dr Reddy says farmers could look forward to a program that would be launched soon as an impetus to further agriculture expansion of current farmers.
Dr Reddy also heard concerns from farmers regarding the issue of flooding in their areas along with agriculture-related issues faced by the farming communities.
Yasiyasi resident, Rajendra Raglu says this is the right time for the government to come and see what is on the ground and what is being faced by the ordinary people.
