The Ministry for Agriculture will be able to develop and promote plans for the crop and livestock sectors in Fiji more effectively for the next five years as the Ministry has launched the Fiji Crops Sector Strategy workshop.
Permanent Secretary Jitendra Singh says this will assist the Ministry to bring a more focused approach in developing the overall agriculture sector.
Singh says the agriculture sector in Fiji faces many challenges like climate change which has negative effects on the crop and livestock production.
He adds that the age of farmers is also increasing as farmers' children become educated and secure jobs in non‑agricultural sectors and this is a big concern.
Singh says the high cost of labour is another challenge that has led to shortage of manpower in most of the production areas.
He stresses that high cost of production and theft of crops in most farming areas are some of the realities that they have to grapple with in the development of the sector.
Singh highlights that all stakeholders in the sector should take a tactical approach towards these issues to overcome it.
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