Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji’s agriculture sector contributes 8.2 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which amounts to $693.3 million yearly.
Speaking at the opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry at the Sofitel Spa Fiji Resort in Nadi, Kamikamica also indicated that this commodity grew by 3.7 per cent last year compared to 2021.
Kamikamica said the conference brings greater ownership to agricultural and forestry service leaders that promotes stewardship towards sustainable agriculture and conserving our fragile ecosystem.
He said the resolutions which during this meet would lead to a strong coordination of agricultural and forestry sectors in the Pacific.
“Healthy, sustainable, and inclusive food systems are critical to achieving the UN 2030 Agenda – (SDG). In the South West Pacific Region, Agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed the projected 9.7 billion people by 2050, as reported by the World Bank in September 2022.”
He said growth in the agriculture sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest as compared to other sectors.
“The World Bank further states that Agriculture is also crucial to economic growth, accounting for 4% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and in some least developing countries, it can account for more than 25% of GDP,” Kamikamica said.
