Concerns over cattle theft, the lack of markets for agricultural produce, and the need for an ice plant were among the issues raised by Tailevu businesswoman, Maca Lutunauga.
Speaking during the Fijian Media Association Town Hall Forum in Korovou, Lutunauga said she has lived in Tailevu North for the past four years, and one of the major issues she has observed is the high rate of cattle theft.
She said she understands that farmers are struggling to meet the supply quota required by Fiji Dairy, but small businesses like hers depend on farmers purchasing goods and services from them.
Lutunauga said if the government assists in revitalising the dairy industry in Korovou, the economic benefits would ripple through the community, allowing businesses to become more self-sufficient.
She also called for an ice plant to be established in Korovou, saying she runs a small restaurant that sells iTaukei delicacies and relies on fresh fish.
Lutunauga said fishermen face difficulties selling their catch because there is no ice plant in the area.
She also questioned why the government continues to encourage increased agricultural production when there is no consistent market for crops such as dalo and ginger.
Lutunauga said her husband, who is the Assistant Roko, approached the Agriculture Marketing Authority but was told there was no market available.
As a result, she said they had to sell dalo and ginger locally in Korovou for between $5 and $10.
She also requested government assistance to develop a proper sports ground in Korovou, noting that the Northland Rugby team currently has to travel to Dawasamu to play instead of using Gateward Park in Korovou.
Responding to concerns about the ice plant, Ministry of Fisheries representative Ilaisa Kama said funding has been allocated for preparatory work on an ice plant to be built in Natovi.
@fijivillage.com Ministry of Fisheries rep Ilaisa Kama funding has been allocated for preparatory work on an ice plant to be built in Natovi.
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He also thanked the people of Nananu for consenting to the site where the Nananu ice plant will be constructed.
Kama assured the Korovou community that work on the project would proceed in the new financial year.
Responding to concerns about reviving the dairy industry in Tailevu North, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad said that when the current government took office in 2023, it recognised that the dairy sector was in decline.
@fijivillage.com Prof. Biman Prasad said funding for the dairy sector has increased over the past three years, including an additional $20 million for livestock research and extention services
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He said this was partly due to past policies and the way Rewa Dairy had been sold and restructured.
Professor Prasad said funding for the dairy sector has increased over the past three years, including an additional $20 million for livestock research and extension services.
Addressing cattle theft, Assistant Commissioner of Police Meli Sateki confirmed that Police have received numerous reports, and many stolen cattle have been recovered.
@fijivillage.com ACP Meli Sateki confirms that Police have received numerous reports of cattle theft and many stolen cattle have been recovered
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He said one of the biggest challenges is obtaining information from members of the public.
He added that Police are now conducting joint operations with Biosecurity Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture to tackle the issue.
Sateki urged members of the public to provide information and said those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Police on 1681.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said that apart from issues surrounding Rewa Dairy, dairy farmers in Fiji continue to face challenges from Brucellosis and Tuberculosis.
However, he said the industry is recovering with the introduction of the Brown Swiss breed at the Nacocolevu Research Station, which is expected to improve milk production.
Seruiratu, a former Minister for Agriculture, said the Agriculture Marketing Authority was established to provide market access for farmers in remote areas.
He also said that during the previous government's term, two parcels of land were purchased for the development of Tailevu Town.
According to Seruiratu, one is a 10-acre property behind the current market, while the other is a 40-acre site near the Housing Authority.
He said he hopes part of the larger site will be allocated for the development of a sports ground.
Speaking on agricultural marketing, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica rejected claims that there is no market for agricultural produce.
He said Joe's Farm is constructing a fully automated processing plant in Colo-i-Suva, which is expected to be completed next year.
Kamikamica said the facility will require significant volumes of dalo for processing including 50 tonnes per week and 200 tonnes per year.
He also said he helped the FTA Cooperative secure a market for ginger with a company in Navua, and that the partnership is now in its second year, with processed ginger being exported for Kaiming.
Kamikamica added that New Zealand presents another potential market for dalo, noting that the country currently imports dalo from Thailand, which he said does not have the same quality as Pacific-grown dalo.
He encouraged farmers to engage with the relevant ministries for assistance in accessing markets.
