Ministry trains staff to help small farms grow into commercial ventures

The Ministry of Agriculture is intensifying efforts to support smallholder farmers in Fiji by training staff to help them transition into large-scale commercial farming operations.

Twenty ministry staff are currently attending a nine-day Train the Trainers programme at the Galaxy Hotel and Apartments conference room in Labasa. The training focuses on thematic area seven, education and training of the Non-Sugar Agricultural Sector Policy 2025–2035, which outlines ten strategic areas to strengthen the sector.

Principal agricultural officer (Northern), Sujendra Prasad, said the training is designed to equip staff with the skills to develop effective farm plans that improve crop productivity and business sustain

 “Our goal is to help smallholder farms become viable commercial ventures that can support Fiji’s agricultural market,” Mr Prasad said.

He said that smallholder farming, previously referred to as subsistence farming, currently contributes 60 per cent to the sector, while largeholder commercial farming accounts for 40 per cent. The ministry aims to shift this balance by empowering farmers through better planning, education, and innovation.

So far, 64 staff have completed similar training, and Mr Prasad stressed the importance of continued capacity building.

Mr Prasad said farming had evolved from past years with farming now serving the interests of communities, our economy through exports and food bank. 

“As trainers, you hold the unique responsibility of being catalysts for change—helping farmers adopt better farming practices and improve productivity,” he said.

Another key element of the training focused on enhancing trainers’ knowledge of farm management, covering areas such as resource optimisation, financial planning, sustainable practices, and innovative technologies.

Mr Prasad said staff undergoing the training would also be assessed on leadership, communication, and mentorship skills.

“Being a great trainer is about inspiring and connecting with people,” he reiterated.

He encouraged staff to be bold, ask questions, and maintain an interactive flow of discussion to clarify key aspects of farm planning.

“The knowledge you gain here will ripple outward, touching countless lives and transforming farming practices across the region,” he added.