Sugar politics and lack of foresight has let down our rural brothers and sisters - Bala

The Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala says we have had more than 50 years to greatly diversify and strengthen agriculture in Fiji but sugar politics and lack of foresight has let down our rural brothers and sisters.

He says this is a task that has fallen on the FijiFirst government.

While opposing the motion by SODELPA MP Inosi Kuridrani for the Standing Committee on Natural Resources to review the performance of non-sugar agriculture, Bala says the task to diversify has been taken on by the government in a serious and sustainable manner.

He adds through his Ministry with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Agriculture, 145 youth clubs have been assisted with farming equipment, tools, fertilizer and seedlings.

Bala says this has resulted in 4,095 youths getting engaged in farming.

He adds technical assistance is also provided to these youth clubs.