Minister urges Ra to commercialise resources and create jobs

Ra Province must diversify its economy and add value to its resources if it is to achieve long-term prosperity, says Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu.

Addressing the Ra Provincial Council Meeting at  Nanukuloa Village, Saivou, today, Mr Vasu urged farmers, landowners and community leaders to pursue value-added industries, strengthen local businesses and create more opportunities for young people.

"This council is not merely a meeting on a calendar. It is the place where the Vanua must speak honestly about the condition of its people, make clear decisions and unite behind practical action,” he said.

The minister said Ra was endowed with fertile land, forests, rivers, coastal resources, tourism opportunities, cultural heritage and a strategic location along Kings Road.

“Yet we must also be honest: resources alone do not create prosperity. Prosperity is created when leadership, discipline, knowledge, investment and unity turn those resources into income, employment and better services for our people.”

Mr Vasu acknowledged that the province continued to face significant challenges, including natural disasters, economic disruptions and the decline of key industries.

“This province has endured cyclones, floods, economic disruption and the decline of industries that once sustained many families. The correct response is not resignation. The correct response is organised leadership, economic diversification, stronger accountability and determined partnership with Government.”

He pointed to the closure of the Penang Mill as a major setback for cane farmers, former mill workers, transport operators and businesses throughout the Rakiraki area.

“Sugar remains important, but Ra cannot depend on one industry or one source of income. Youth unemployment and the movement of young people to urban centres are warning signs that we must create more opportunities here at home.”

Mr Vasu urged farmers and landowners to move beyond primary production and become active participants in value-added industries.

“My advice to the province is clear: Ra must diversify, commercialise and add value. Our farmers should not remain only producers of raw cane, dalo, yaqona, ginger, fruit, livestock and timber.

“We must build cooperatives, processing businesses, packaging facilities, transport services and strong provincial brands. Landowners must become business owners, suppliers and equity partners — not merely providers of land and raw materials.”

He also stressed the importance of linking training programmes directly to employment opportunities.

“Skills programmes should respond to opportunities in agriculture, construction, tourism, hospitality, mechanics, transport, food processing and digital services. Every tikina should identify the industries it can support and the skills its young people will need.”

Highlighting Government support already directed to the province, Mr Vasu said the Fiji Development Bank had provided approximately $7.2 million in financing across sugarcane, fishing, crop and livestock production, commercial ventures, small businesses and agribusiness projects.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture had invested approximately $438,526 in extension services, dalo and yaqona development, spices, highland farming, women in agriculture initiatives, vanilla, coconut, orchard development and smallholder support.

Forestry programmes accounted for a further $152,292 through seedling purchases and native timber royalty payments.

Through the Office of the Prime Minister, approximately $135,743 had also been provided to support teachers’ quarters, food production initiatives, a community tourism enterprise and livestock fencing projects.

“These investments show that opportunities exist,” Mr Vasu said.

“The responsibility of Ra is to organise itself so that Government assistance becomes productive, sustainable and accountable.”