New project to boost the agricultural sector – FBC News

The Ministry of Agriculture is exhausting all possible avenues to secure new markets for farmers.

Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy said it was a long-standing problem, which was only made worse by the lockdown.

Dr Reddy says the Pacific Island’s new rural and agricultural stimulus mechanism will help secure new markets.

He adds that the new three-year project will see Fiji receive at least $ 1.5 million to boost food production, post-harvest management, food preservation and market access.

“This initiative targets 3,300 vulnerable rural farmers, 50 percent of whom will be women and 40 percent of youth, and the initiative will geographically focus on selected vulnerable rural farming communities, including the Viti Levu highlands.

According to Dr Reddy, more than ever, the government recognizes the importance of agriculture as the backbone of an inclusive economy, improving the economic resilience of people.

“This PIRAS project comes at a crucial time to complement the government’s efforts to create new, existing and sustainable livelihoods for those severely affected by the effects of the pandemic. “

The project will be implemented through a joint partnership between the Pacific Islands Farmers Organization Network, the PCDF and Rise Beyond the Reef.

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