Plans underway to make Vanua Levu self-sufficient in lamb production

There are plans to develop Vanua Levu into a self-sufficient lamb-producing region, Agriculture and Waterways Minister Tomasi Tunabuna revealed during his visit to Batiri Research Station in Macuata yesterday.

Mr Tunabuna confirmed he would travel to New Zealand by the end of this year to learn from the country’s thriving sheep industry.

“We want to help farmers set up large-scale sheep farms in Vanua Levu to boost local production of lamb,” he said.
“This would reduce dependence on lamb imports and grow the local sheep industry.”

He noted that Taveuni already has many sheep and goats, allowing its residents to rely less on imported lamb.
“If Taveuni is self-sufficient with sheep, why can’t Vanua Levu be self-sufficient?” he asked.

Mr Tunabuna said the plan could include developing at least five sheep farms in Vanua Levu. When asked about pasture management and training from New Zealand, he said funds could be secured to support farmers and grow the local sheep industry.

“We have to learn and grow our local sheep industry,” he reiterated.

The Minister is preparing an information paper to submit to Cabinet on his upcoming trip to New Zealand, which will focus on enhancing sheep farming. The paper will include steps to improve training on sheep breeding to produce high-quality lamb stock for commercialisation.

Reducing dependence on imported lamb remains a key focus.
“As Minister, I will explore ways to improve livestock growth and reduce reliance on overseas imports,” Mr Tunabuna said.
He also called on sheep farmers to make efforts to increase their stock for commercial purposes.