More idle land is expected to be brought into production under the 2026-2027 National Budget as the Government continues supporting farmers to increase local food production and strengthen food security.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna says the budget provides targeted support to increase agricultural production at a time when Fiji continues to face the impacts of global economic challenges and rising costs.
Tunabuna says Fiji depends on many imported agricultural and non-agricultural inputs, making it important to maximise local production and make better use of available land.
He says the government's focus remains on import substitution by encouraging greater agricultural output from idle land while supporting agribusiness development.
The Minister says the budget contains programmes that will help farmers grow more food locally and improve national food security.
He also confirms that the government will continue providing incentives for young farmers, women farmers and new entrants into the agriculture sector.
Tunabuna says targeted programmes are already in place to support youth and female farmers and these initiatives will continue under the new budget.
He says government will also continue encouraging the commercial cultivation of high-value crops such as kava, ginger and turmeric through various targeted projects and assistance programmes.
Tunabuna says the government is continuing its backyard farming programme by providing seedlings to households wishing to grow their own food amid rising food prices.
He says people can apply for seedlings through the Ministry as part of efforts to help families cope with the increasing cost of living.
The Minister adds that all agricultural programmes are aimed at helping farmers increase production and improve food security across the country.
Responding to questions on the sugar industry, Tunabuna says the budget measures will help revive the sector and support its long-term sustainability.
He also says funding has been allocated for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rural roads and farm access routes to improve connectivity for farmers and agricultural communities.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the government will continue providing sugar price support this financial year due to reduced global sugar prices.
He says the support will continue for as long as people remain involved in or dependent on the sugar industry.
Immanuel says this includes not only farmers, but also others whose livelihoods are linked to the sector such as manufacturers, welders, plumbers, lorry providers, and lorry drivers, as well as workers in sugar factories.
Immanuel further says a committee is in place to look into the sugar industry and ensure that active decisions and actions are made going forward to guide its development and progress.
The 2026-2027 National Budget allocated $221 million to Agriculture, Waterways and the Sugar Industry to support farmers, strengthen food security and promote sustainable growth across Fiji's agriculture sector.
https://www.fijivillage.com/indepth/2026-2027-national-budget-aca663/
