Collaboration and partnership between government, development partners and the private sector not only bring us together, but it brings in new innovative thinking.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy made the remarks when he launched the Vertically Integrated Cassava Flour Enterprise, owned by Tavioka Organic (Fiji) Pte Limited at Drasa, outside Lautoka yesterday.

In 2020, Fiji imported around $111.4 million worth of wheat, while locally-available cassava was consumed as staple food in meals.

“Commercialising the product in phases is the better way to go, as positive effects of phase implementation would slowly impact farmers and prepare them for the changes that come with this new venture,” he said.

“Collaboration and partnership between government, development partners and the private sector not only bring us together, but it brings in new innovative thinking – new ways of doing business.”

Mr Reddy acknowledged the effort undertaken by the Tavioka Organic Products (Fiji) Pte Limited owner Anwar Khan in taking a step further to add value and process the cassava flour.

Mr Khan provides the vanua with employment, reduce food loss, and raise people’s standard of living.

The vanua – Vakabuli village, Vitogo, Naviyago, Varewa settlement, Vadreyawa and Vanuakula settlements are expected to benefit as the company is willing to plough, harvest and process cassava into flour.

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