Fiji’s agriculture sector needs a lot of capital to allow farmers to make a switch from subsistence farming to commercial investments, says Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu.

Speaking at the opening of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Indian High Commission’s second business forum in Nadi in the weekend, Minister Seruiratu said more technology and best practices were necessary, particularly to combat harsh conditions such as the dry season

“Nadi continues to play a major role towards economic growth and needed more investments from large businesses and corporations.”

Also present at the business forum was Minister for Forests Osea Naiqamu.

He explained that the Ministry for Forests has been putting all efforts in conserving and protecting the upper Nadi Watershed through strict issuance of forest harvesting license on all native forests and plantations in the Nadi Basin.

Minister Naiqamu said the enforcement of the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice would be strengthened with Governments allocated budget of $3.75 million in the harvesting areas.

“The environmental systems will be managed for soil and biodiversity protection as well as water systems through strict implementation of the Harvesting Code.”

Among its programs, the Ministry of Forests continues to work closely with the United Nations Development Program and Environment Ministry on Ridge to Reef, a global environment facility project work almost USD $3 million.

By Mitieli Baleiwai