Govt pushes agri transformation targeting youth, exports

There is a need for a mandatory shift from subsistence farming to a modern, climate-resilient agri-economy targeting youth, exports and import reduction, says Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Inosi Kuridrani.

He made the comments at the launch of the Fiji Agro-Innovative Competition 2026 at the Ba Town Council Hall on Tuesday night.

Mr Kuridrani said Fiji must move from a partially transitioned subsistence model to a sophisticated, high-growth and commercially viable agricultural system.

He said the mandate was clear: to catalyse a major shift in the sector.

“The Fiji Agro-Innovative Competition 2026 is a cornerstone of our national vision to modernise the primary sector,” he said.

“We must transform. From the ministry’s perspective, our focus remains on three critical pillars of development.”

Mr Kuridrani said the initiative formed part of a broader push to sustainably transform domestic agri-food systems amid growing challenges.

“We are no longer planning for future climate change; we are living it every day,” he said.

“From water management to strengthening our agro-landscape, innovation is our best defence. It will ensure our farming and sugar production systems are resilient to shifting seasons and more frequent extreme weather events.”

He said the sector was also addressing labour mobility and brain drain across the Pacific.

“By integrating smart climate technology and mechanisation, we are transforming farms into hubs of modern opportunity,” he said.

“We want young people to see agriculture and the sugar industry as viable careers, involving precision data analysis and digital marketing.”

Mr Kuridrani outlined three key pillars:

• National food security – ensuring every household has reliable access to nutritious, locally grown food and building resilience against global supply disruptions.
• Strategic import substitution – reducing reliance on imported foods by empowering local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and improving production of crops such as carrots, onions and potatoes.
• Export diversification – positioning Fiji as an organic hub of the Pacific and turning traditional crops into high-value exports.

He acknowledged Business Assistance Fiji and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for supporting the competition, and thanked the European Union for funding the initiative.

FAO programme specialist Thushara Ranasinghe said the initiative also covers Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

“The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry and the Ministry of Commerce and Agribusiness,” he said.

He said agriculture in the region had largely remained subsistence-based, but global challenges required a shift beyond that cycle.

Business Assistance Fiji acting general manager Nitika Singh said the competition, now in its third edition since 2024, is expected to select at least 10 winners.

She said applications are open online and will close on May 24.

The top 10 will be announced on May 29, followed by a two-week boot camp for shortlisted participants.