North farmers praise Budget funding for agriculture, rural development

Non-sugar farmers in the Northern Division have welcomed the Government's decision to allocate $102 million to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in the 2026-2027 National Budget, saying the funding recognises the importance of investing in Fiji's agricultural sector.

Minister for Finance Mr Esrom Immanuel announced the allocation in Parliament in Suva last Friday.

Vunivau vegetable farmer and market vendor Ms Suman Lata, 62, said strengthening food security remained important.

"There are women working alongside their husbands, like me, planting and selling vegetables to support their families because times are very hard now," Ms Lata said.

"It is good to hear the funding will support crop and livestock research, agricultural extension services, farm mechanisation, upgrades to farm access roads and efforts to increase primary export commodities, including yaqona, dalo, ginger, spices, cocoa and dairy."

Ms Lata said the investment would encourage farmers to focus on export commodities and expand their businesses.

Mr Immanuel said the Government had expanded its fertiliser and weedicide subsidy programme for dalo, ginger, cassava and vegetables.

"A funding of $3 million is provided in the 2026-2027 Budget, which will cater for additional crops such as yaqona and turmeric," Mr Immanuel said.

"To incentivise landowners to continue making land available for agricultural purposes, Government will continue to fund the Committee for Better Utilisation of Land (CBUL) programme with a total allocation of $6.9 million."

Laqere Tabia Farmers Co-operative president Mr Ishwar Chand said members were encouraged by plans to improve farm access roads.

"Our co-operative has 35 rice farmers, and we need better roads in Laqere," Mr Chand said.

"Now we are in a position to apply for assistance because better roads will improve our business."

Rice farmer and mechanical harvester driver Mr Gyan Prasad, of Vulovi, Labasa, acknowledged that this year's allocation was lower than last year's $115 million but said farmers could still benefit from Government assistance.

"I have applied for grants many times through the Ministry of Agriculture but have never received assistance," Mr Prasad said.

"I hope that from August the ministry rolls out assistance to farmers who have been left out."