$1.3m laboratory upgrade to boost agricultural testing

Farmers and agricultural exporters are expected to benefit from faster, more reliable testing and improved disease detection following the reopening of the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory at Koronivia after a $1.3 million Government-funded upgrade.

The laboratory, Fiji's primary facility for agricultural chemical analysis, has undergone extensive renovations over the past three years to meet modern international laboratory standards.

Mr Tunabuna said the modernised facility would improve testing accuracy, reduce the risk of sample contamination and enhance Fiji's ability to respond to emerging agricultural challenges.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna officiated at the commissioning of the Crop Research Information Centre and the reopening of the upgraded laboratory.

Mr Tunabuna said the facility would strengthen Fiji's ability to conduct critical chemical analyses on crops, livestock feed, food products, water and other agricultural samples.

The renovation was carried out in phases to ensure laboratory services continued without interruption.

Mr Tunabuna said the modernised facility would improve testing accuracy, reduce the risk of sample contamination and enhance Fiji's ability to respond to emerging agricultural challenges.

"With the advancement in technology and testing procedures, we need laboratories that can support modern equipment and methods," he said.

He said accurate laboratory testing remained critical to understanding issues faced by farmers and developing evidence-based solutions.

Established in 1975, the chemistry laboratory has provided services at Koronivia for decades and remains the country's main facility for chemical analysis.

Established in 1975, the chemistry laboratory has provided services at Koronivia for decades and remains the country's main facility for chemical analysis.

Over the years, it has supported a range of testing services, including forensic and drug analysis before those functions were transferred to other agencies.

Mr Tunabuna said the upgraded laboratory would also strengthen food technology research and value-adding initiatives by helping locally produced agricultural products meet international food safety and quality requirements.

He said the facility would provide access to state-of-the-art testing technologies that would help maintain the quality and competitiveness of Fiji's agricultural exports.

While the renovation was fully funded by Government, support was also provided through partnerships involving the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and external technical consultants, particularly in the procurement of specialised equipment and laboratory standardisation processes.

The reopening forms part of broader Government efforts to strengthen agricultural research, innovation and food security while improving services to farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the country.