‘Where are we?’ Ministry questions iTaukei role in exports

Resource owners in the Western Division are focusing more on tourism businesses but are lagging behind in agricultural exports, says Ministry of Commerce and Business Development’s Divisional Manager West Rusieli Caginavanua.

Mr Caginavanua made the remarks during a meeting with exporters and the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that no iTaukei exporters were present.

Speaking to resource owners and traditional leaders at Viseisei, Vuda, Ms Caginavanua highlighted that 53 commodities are in demand in New Zealand, yet Fiji has not met even half of that requirement.

“There is a reduction in breadfruit exports. New Zealand has an open door for us and allows the export of 53 commodities, but Fiji has not reached half of that. Even mango leaves are needed,” she said.

“I asked the Agriculture Ministry how many breadfruit trees can be planted on one acre, and they said 60 trees. Imagine we are not getting there.”

She also pointed to opportunities in eggplant, mango, and pawpaw, urging youth cooperatives to utilise available land for farming.

Ms Caginavanua said Fiji’s failure to meet export demand reflects a lack of iTaukei participation in agricultural export businesses.

“That means we are not planting enough. Where are we? We need to discuss and collaborate more. There are many tourism businesses operating, but we are lacking in agriculture,” she said.

She added that Fiji’s cooperative sector has machinery and equipment to support exports, but these remain underutilised because of low production.