Fiji Farmers Urged to Diversify Crops to Cut Import Costs

Fiji's Tourism Ministry is calling on farmers to expand their crop offerings, aiming to significantly reduce the nation's dependence on imported goods. Minister Viliame Gavoka pointed out that Fiji currently spends around $200 million on imports each year. A 2017 report indicated that $100 million worth of crops are brought into the country annually just to meet local demand.

Gavoka emphasized the need for Fiji to minimize imports by encouraging local farmers to cultivate a broader range of produce. "As you know, tourism is doing very well, but we’re buying a lot of vegetables from overseas," he stated, highlighting the connection between the thriving tourism sector and the need for local agricultural production.

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As you know, tourism is doing very well, but we’re buying a lot of vegetables from overseas.

However, local businessman George Shiu Raj raised concerns about the practicalities of crop diversification. While acknowledging that growing different crops might not be the primary issue, he stressed that finding export markets for these diverse crops presents a significant hurdle. "The problem in our country is the market," Raj explained. "It is the prime duty of the government, the Minister for sugar, to give the market. If the market is there, we’ll continue to plant other crops also."

The Ministry, however, remains optimistic, believing that embracing crop diversification will not only bolster food security but also provide crucial support to the tourism industry and contribute to reducing Fiji's overall import expenses.

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The problem in our country is the market; it is the prime duty of the government, the Minister for sugar, to give the market, if the market is there, we’ll continue to plant other crops also.