Local farmers welcome increased duty to imported vegetables

As government strives to encourage local production of vegetables, some farmers have stated that they can meet the demands with the help of government.

Fijivillage spoke to some farmers at the Suva market this morning and most have welcomed the move by government to increase the duty band from 5 percent duty band to 15 percent as it will mean more sales for them as prices of imported vegetables is likely to increase.

Some of the farmers said they were confident that they can meet the demand for quantity and quality of vegetables with the help of government in terms of farming equipment and fertilizers.

Meanwhile some of the major supermarkets we talked to this morning said that they will need more time to look at the decision and how it will affect their supply and the prices of imported vegetables before commenting.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Colonel Mason Smith is expected to comment later.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday announced an increase on the duty on all imported fresh vegetables currently under the 5 percent duty band to 15 percent, which means that the prices of imported fresh vegetables will increase from immediate effect.

Story by: Ana Naisoro & Watisoni Butabua