El Niño raises fresh food security concerns

Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, is calling on farmers to ensure consistent food production as the looming El Niño weather pattern threatens agricultural output. The Minister highlighted that certain commodities, particularly rice, could be significantly impacted, underscoring the importance of maintaining local staple production.

Tunabuna emphasized Fiji's capacity to manage potential disruptions in the import of certain goods, stating that survival hinges on the commitment and productivity of local farmers. "Our worry in Fiji is how we can maintain productivity in our Agricultural production system," he said.

The Ministry is actively promoting enhanced irrigation practices to guarantee that crops receive adequate water, even if El Niño conditions affect rainfall. Preliminary studies indicate that the western parts of the country are likely to experience the greatest impact from El Niño.

The sugar industry is also anticipated to be hit hard, with the Minister stressing that thorough preparation will be key to sustaining food security across the nation. The government's efforts aim to mitigate the effects of the weather phenomenon on Fiji's food supply.

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Our worry in Fiji is how we can maintain productivity in our Agricultural production system.