He will also be visiting agriculture stations in the area, as well as farms that have been affected by the recent flooding.

The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu is currently touring the Northern Division.

During his visit, the Minister will be briefed on agriculture developments taking place in the Northern Division and the progress on recovery post-Tropical Cyclone Winston.

He will also be visiting agriculture stations in the area, as well as farms that have been affected by the recent flooding.

Mr Seruiratu said the purpose of his visit is to see the progress and potential for agricultural development in the North.

“Government has invested a lot in agricultural development in the area and there is a need to look at how farmers may be further assisted,” he said.

“We have noted that Vanua Levu has potential and Government has a separate development plan for reviving the economy in the North.

“Agriculture has a significant role to play in that plan.”

Mr Seruiratu said a lot markets are opening up and there is a need for Vanua Levu to have access to these markets as well to ensure that people are not left out.

“Fijians need to be aware of the plans that we have and the linkage between Suva and the division, right down to the district level and the communities in the implementation of the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda,” Mr Seruiratu said.

He said the visit is also in preparation for the Ministry’s plans and budgets for the next three years.

“We will review some of our policies, including the implementation plans and activities to improve agricultural services to all our stakeholders.”

The tour includes visits to the agriculture stations, Rice Scheme, Batiri Sheep Breeding Programme, Valavala Estate on sheep and beef farming, Fiji-China Rice Project at the Dreketi Irrigation Scheme.

The delegation will also include visitations to successful ‘Women and Youth in Agriculture’ projects in the Northern Division.

Mr Seruiratu is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Jitendra Singh and senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Source: DEPTFO News

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