Our target over the next ten years, we want to export non-sugar by $500million.

This was the statement made by the Minister for Waterways, Environment and Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy while speaking to villagers at the commissioning of the de-silting works project at Vitogo Village in Lautoka yesterday.

Dr Reddy said over the last three years the ministry had done remarkably well exceeding in non-sugar agricultural produce.

He said previously, agriculture was not classified as important to the nation because it was not bringing in that much export earnings because its first priority was to cater for the nation.

“For the first time ever in the history of this country, no sugar agriculture exports exceeded sugar exports in 2020 because three years ago we adopted a dual strategy, up till now agricultural output has been undervalued because it was not exporting much,” said Dr Reddy.

“The first priority of agriculture was to feed the entire nation, the villages, the settlements, the people in the town areas, the tourism sector and the leftover was exported.”

“Sugar exports were $101million in 2020, non-sugar agricultural exports $106million.”

“Kava is the leading export earner, dalo, ginger, turmeric and fresh vegetables.”

He said the ministry was now putting in strategies but the only issue was the cause of natural disasters.

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