5 December, 2025, 7:51 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Sugar politics and lack of foresight has let down our rural brothers and sisters - Bala

Sugar politics and lack of foresight has let down our rural brothers and sisters - Bala

By Semi Turaga
02/06/2021
Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala. [image: Parliament of Fiji]

The Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala says we have had more than 50 years to greatly diversify and strengthen agriculture in Fiji but sugar politics and lack of foresight has let down our rural brothers and sisters.

He says this is a task that has fallen on the FijiFirst government.

While opposing the motion by SODELPA MP Inosi Kuridrani for the Standing Committee on Natural Resources to review the performance of non-sugar agriculture, Bala says the task to diversify has been taken on by the government in a serious and sustainable manner.

He adds through his Ministry with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Agriculture, 145 youth clubs have been assisted with farming equipment, tools, fertilizer and seedlings.

Bala says this has resulted in 4,095 youths getting engaged in farming.

He adds technical assistance is also provided to these youth clubs.


FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
2 hours ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
2 hours ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
3 hours ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
4 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
10 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
10 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP