The Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy has stressed that his Ministry will be assisting farmers in Ovalau so they can progress from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
Dr Reddy stated this during his visit to the island reiterating the Government’s commitment to assisting farmers in maritime areas addressing the issues which affected productivity.
He says although there have been challenges faced between buyers and farmers, farmers need to meet with their agricultural officers on the island to elevate their farming standards, and has assured them that they will assist them.
Meanwhile, Aisake Bukavesi of Lovoni village says the visit enabled them to share their experiences as farmers and also has encouraged them to increase their production as there are incentives for farmers to rise to another level.
Bukavesi says this tour shows that maritime farmers are not forgotten by this government and it also restores the belief in them that they have the potential to contribute to the country’s growing economy.
He also says they have the potential to produce and exceed other productive areas in Fiji but they need guidance from the Ministry to set out development pathways and through this visit, they know there will be some positive outcomes.
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