Cabinet has given the green-light to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways (Ministry) conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of the Agricultural Research and Development Institute of Fiji (ARDIF).
The development of a productive agricultural sector in any country is based on an efficient and vibrant Research and Development (R&D) programme that ensures food and nutrition security for its population.
Historically, agricultural crop research and animal research were initiated by the Ministry to develop technologies to assist farmers who lack resources to conduct research to improve their productivity.
With a small island and developing agriculture sector such as Fiji, in comparison to bigger countries, it is economically and technically beneficial to merge research efforts for both crops and livestock and administer these under ARDIF.
A task force will be formed within the Ministry to undertake the feasibility study. The taskforce will consult appropriate agencies on the way forward.
The outcome of the feasibility study will be tabled in Cabinet once completed.
