By Faridat Salifu
The Fijian government has renewed its call for farmers to diversify their crops beyond sugarcane, urging them to grow more vegetables and root crops to meet rising market demand and reduce reliance on imported produce.
Fiji, a South Pacific island nation whose economy relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, is promoting crop diversification as part of efforts to boost local food production and strengthen rural incomes.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, said the initiative aims to improve cash flow for farmers while ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce for the country’s hotels and resorts.
“Most of the vegetables used in hotels are still imported,” Tunabuna said. “By increasing local production, we can lower costs for the tourism industry and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers.”
He added that broadening crop choices would help farmers manage seasonal risks and reduce dependence on sugarcane, Fiji’s traditional export crop.
The ministry said it will continue to promote crop diversification programmes as part of its broader sustainable agriculture and food security agenda.
Officials believe the strategy will also create stronger supply links between smallholder farmers and the tourism economy, ensuring that local communities share directly in the country’s growth.
