Opposition is strategically paralyzed after announcement of the National Budget - Seruiratu

Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu says the Opposition is strategically paralyzed after the announcement of the 2017/2018 National Budget.

While speaking during the 2017/2018 National Budget Debate, Seruiratu says that unfortunately the budget did not go down well with the opposition and the implication is that they are strategically paralyzed.

He says that despite the havoc brought by Tropical Cyclone Winston last year, Fiji still managed to record an economic growth.

Seruiratu also revealed that Australia has asked Fiji to host a regional conference around November after COP23 to look at lessons learnt not only for Fiji but for the region.

The Agriculture Minister says that progress is impossible without change and the Opposition should not politicize humanitarian assistance.

While supporting the 2017/2018 National budget, Seruiratu says that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to make significant growth in revenue from agriculture production.

He says mechanization also continues within the non-sugar sector and with the increased allocation, the Ministry of Agriculture will look at purchasing 3 new excavators for Lomaivuna, Tailevu and Serua-Namosi amongst other strategically selected areas with regards to production level.