A sugarcane farmer in Vunivutu, Macuata aims to be one of the first people in his area to operate a commercial pineapple farm.

57-year-old Aseri Tugi said while there was a huge market for pineapple in his area, farmers hardly ventured into large scale pineapple farming.

“The pineapple industry has proved lucrative to some sugarcane farmers who are now convinced to also engage in pineapple farming in most parts of the country, which shows how lucrative it is,” Mr Tugi said during the 2017 Northern Agriculture show in Labasa yesterday.

Mr Tugi said while this was a good way to supplement his earnings, it was also to make use of the hilly land in his lease.

“I have recently just started farming sugarcane and because of all this awareness on the need to practice inter-cropping, I have made a decision that I would start a commercial pineapple farm as well.”

The father of 10 said he was positive his plan would be successful as there was a market for pineapple in their area but there was a lack of supply.

He added that this would also support his sugarcane produce, might they be affected at some point.

“I have come to learn that we always need to have a backup plan when it comes to agriculture.”

The theme this year is “Climate Smart Agriculture” which means the methods of agriculture ensuring that food security is not affected and one which also address climate change.

“So this is a start for me, I might include some more crop varieties in the future in the future.”

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