Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694827279952.pdf (Fiji)
APPENDICES Appendix One - Written Evidence Ministry of Agriculture Tabulated below are Issues raised by the Members by way of questions and the responses: No: Members Questions Ministry of Agriculture’s Response 1 2 Can you please brief the committee on the functions of Ministry of Agriculture?

Functions of the Ministry includes :  Support and accelerate Agricultural Product diversification where competitive advantage has been identified.
Can you please inform the the key committee on challenges the Ministry faces whilst trying to achieve its strategic objectives for both years and how it is planning to these challenges?

overcome  Support Private Sector Development through commercialization of Fiji’s non Sugar Agriculture Sector  Promote & ensure Food and Nutrition Security for all Fijians  Promote & ensure sustainable development of Fiji’s Non Sugar Agriculture Sector.
Key Challenges:  Limited Human Resources – For both years, the Ministry continue to recruit Temporary and project officers to supplement the number of Permanent officers engaged with the Ministry.

Their engagement ensures achievement of functional divisions annual objectives.

In 2014 a total of 110 Project Staffs and 18 casuals were recruited.

This numbers increased in 2015 with the recruitment of 205 project staff and 67 casual staff.
 Capacity Building – Enhancement of staff capabilities continue to be the focus of the Ministry for both years.

In 2014 38 officers attended training abroad and 24 for locally organized trainings.

In 2015 the Ministry was allocated $200,000 to cover capacity building.

 Natural Disasters – in 2014, MoA through its International [Food engagement program collaborated with UNFAO Agriculture Organization) and coordinated DRM meetings.
Also through FAO assistance, MOA chaired four [4] Food Security Livelihood Cluster meetings to engage with partners on establishing plans and processes on how to be prepared and respond to disasters and risks.

This activity continued in 2015 with continuous capacity building and workshops organized especially by FAO to address gaps identified in this area.
The Ministry as part of its plan is also earmarking the establishment of a DRM Unit to oversee and manage Climate Change related activities of the Ministry.

 Pests & Diseases – Continuous Brucellosis & Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign [BTEC] surveillance were carried out in 2014 which focused on registration of beef and dairy farms and Identification villages and settlements within infected zones.

In the same year the number of infected farms was reduced from 14 in 2013 to 9 in 2014.
A total of 35094 bovine were tested, of which 554 reacted to the test.

Also in 2014 crop research activities focused on taro breeding for resistance to taro leaf blight.

In 2015 Crop Research Division was allocated a total $1.7M to fund research on plant, soil, food analysis and management of plant diseases, insects and invasive plants.
 Promoting Agricultural Exports and addressing increasing import bill of Agricultural Commodities – In 2014, Fiji imported $556M of Crop & Livestock Products contributing 12% to National import bill.

In the same year despite the increase in value of import as compared to 2013, the volume significantly decreased by 20% [339,899mt in 2013 to 270,563 in 2014].
The positive growth experience by the sector in Export for the 3 years 2013-2015 was mainly due to the expansion market scoping exercise especially to the US market.

Total number of exported commodities increased from 233 in 2014 to 245 in 2015.

Also in 2015 value of import declined by 7%.

The volume of fruits and vegetables imported decreased by 3%.
These positive numbers clearly indicates the Ministry’s focus in both years on improvement of technical services rendered to farmers, investing on technology, and public private partnership practiced by the Ministry and its stakeholders to successfully progressed initiative implemented by the Ministry.

 The Ministry of Agriculture has always been a male dominated institution due the type activity implemented.
Since 2013 and including both 2014 &2015, the Ministry was slowly evolving in its recruitment and promotion process to accommodate requirements of SDG 5.

In 2014, 3 Director Positions were occupied by female officers – Director Crop Extension, Director Research and Director HRFI.

Engagement of Principal Agricultural officers included 3 females for Economic Planning and Statistics, 3 females for HRFI, 1 female officer for Crop Research and 1 for Crop Extension.
In 2015 both Deputy Secretaries positions were occupied by female officers.

One female officer as Director HRFI and 8 female officers were engaged as Principal Agricultural Officers in various divisions of the Ministry.
 3% Positions occupied by females in 2014 3 Directors-DE,DR,DHRFI 4 Principal Officers 7 Senior Agricultural Officers  4.2 % Positions occupied by females in 2015 2 Deputy Secretaries 2 Directors 8 Principal Agricultural Officers 3 in hiring 1) Both reports failed to highlight the gender balance analysis (SDG 5) How does the Ministry ensure that female both male and treated are employees recruitment, equally training, and promotion?
2) Please provide the committee on the staffing complement the Ministry of Agriculture 2014 and 2015 and the percentage of women who in managerial were positions.

at 4 Both reports failed to provide the organization charts for the Ministry.

Can you please explain?

5 SDG’s 1and 2 are aligned to the Ministry.

Can you the please its committee and implementation progress?
enlighten on 10 Senior Agricultural Officers through Annual Reports is a very high level document that provides a summary description and distribution of the Ministry’s Annual Budget and these macro key performance indicators achieved interventions.

One of the key highlight of the report is the presentation of audited financial statement of the Ministry during that financial year.
As such, the Ministry believes that highlighting only Executive Management Structure of the Ministry for both years was sufficient enough to identify each functional division’s strength in achieving targeted outcomes.

Contributions of each functional units is clearly highlighted in each reports in a more systematic and consistent manner aligning to each units work targets.
The overall aim is to allow our readers to focus mainly on the Ministry’s achievements and targeted outcomes rather than the usual micro details that will be tedious to our stakeholders and users of the Ministry Annual reports.

The Ministry’s mandate on maintaining food security and poverty alleviation is clearly aligned to requirements of SDG 1&2.
This is reflected through the implementation of the following budgeted programs for 2014 & 2015:  Food Security Program – in 2014 the Ministry was committed to the development of identified commodities that will substitute import commodities.

The main emphasis is to boost local production through various programs to improve food security and also curb current import bill.

The targeted commodity for this year was vegetables and the food security program produced 772.3 MT of assorted vegetables.
The livestock component of the Food Security Program targeted development of the following commodities – Beef, Sheep, Goat, Pigs, Bees and Poultry.

A total of 30 livestock projects were assisted in 2014.

These activities continued to 2015 whereby 23 projects were funded for crops and 26 projects for livestock.
 Other programs that were implemented in 2014/15 to support Food Security and Poverty Alleviation included: Rural Outer Island Program, Rotuma development Program, Cottage Industry, Livestock Commodity Programs and other Extension Programs that ensure elevation of farming status from subsistence to commercial.

 Agricultural production increased between both years [2014-2015] by 0.2%.

6 Can you please update the committee on the Ministry’s future plans and initiatives?
The Ministry have just recently released its Strategic Development Plan for 2019-2023.

The plan have 5 Strategic Priority Area that will guide the Ministry’s activities for the next 5 years.
With the theme - ‘A competitive, sustainable, resilient Agriculture Sector’ the five Strategic Priorities are:  Improve Food and Nutrition Security for all Fijians  Increase Farmer household income for sustainable livelihood  Increase adoption of sustainable resource management and climate smart agriculture  Establish and improve commercial agriculture  Improve quality public sector performance and service delivery.
The SDP also highlighted focused initiatives of the ministry such as Backyard Gardening, Up scaling of Pulse Seed production, optimizing the use of Juncao grass to enhance livestock production etc.

7 What structural reforms have been undertaken at the Ministry to increase operational efficiency?

Restructure program started in 2019/20 with the recruitment of the following Heads – Head of Operation, Head of Research, Head of HR and Head of Finance.
This activity hopes to continue into the next financial year pending availability of Budget.

8 9 Please update the committee the the progress of on Programs Projects and undertaken, how much have the Ministry achieved?

Although, the Ministry has received significant budget for farm roads, the reality on the ground is that roads still remain inaccessible.

Can you please provide an update on the current progress of these roads?
10 On the current pandemic that Fiji is now faced with, can the Ministry its (re- strategies, align Refer to Question No.

17 below.

In 2014 & 2015 work on farm roads at the Ministry were very intensive and most were successfully achieved.

This was due to the inclusion of Land & Water Resource Management Division within the Ministry and one of its core role is provide technical advice, build and upgrade farm roads.

This is clearly highlighted in both reports.


Since 2017 LWRM Division was excluded from MOA and formed the now known Ministry of Waterways.

These move has been one of the biggest challenges in the Ministry’s pursue to assist the farming communities on upgrade and maintenance of farm roads throughout Fiji.

This delay have resulted in limited number of farm roads attended to during any financial year since 2017.
Also one of the challenges is the Tender process involved within the Government system that hinders the timely implementation of this activity.

The Ministry has aligned its activities to 5 Strategic Priorities.

The Strategic Priorities aims to deliver on the collective aspirations of our people through a Demand Driven and Resilient Agriculture sector which provides economic opportunities, environmental sustainability and Food and Nutrition Security for all Fijians.
11 12 strategies) to focus on Agriculture Economy in order the to sustain livelihood of the people during this period?

In both 2014 and 2015, the Ministry did not carry out Board of Survey.

Could you please explain why this was not done, and are these being carried out in the following years?

In 2015, the Ministry rolled out the foundations of the “2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda.

Could you please enlighten the members of the Committee on the Policy, and how is it progressing?
This will be achieved through 5 key Strategic Priorities: Food and Nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, commercial agriculture and strengthened service delivery There was staff capacity challenges faced in the Ministry during the years 2014-2015.

However, the Board of Survey was undertaken in 2016 as a regular annual exercise.
The Annual Board of Survey (BOS) is a regular Annual exercise and is conducted annually and sent to Ministry of Economy as part of the Annual Financial Statement (MOA AFS).

The 2020 Policy Agenda offers both employment and opportunities for sustaining livelihoods, and offers strong linkages between the sector and the rest of the economy.
The policy provides an inclusive development framework for its agriculture economy to move forward by addressing new domestic and global challenges in line with food and nutrition security, climate change, feedstock for renewable energy, the utilization of water resources for aquaculture, agriculture export, and the rehabilitation of its traditional agriculture export industries, the sugarcane and the coconut industries.
Moreover, the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda compliments the National Green Growth Framework recently launched in Fiji.

It provides new dimensions by opening up to global innovations for “climate smart agriculture” that generate both adaptation and mitigation benefits.

The policy also addresses the “sustainable intensification” that will increase production.
The holistic and a focused vision of this policy pursue sustainable development with an inclusive approach that will modernize the Fiji’s Agriculture Sector by 2020.

The policy has been incorporated in the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2019- 2023 Strategic Development Plan (SDP) and its cascading Annual Corporate Plans and the 2019/2020 Costed Operational Plan(COP) of the Ministry.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Report compilation is currently underway, however, the Achievements are highlighted in pages 18-50 of the 2014 Annual Report and page 19-57 of the 2015 Annual Report.

Other than that, we have an increased number of Women and Youth participating in Agriculture as an Economic Activity and the improvements made in institutional, technical and scientific capacity and partnerships for evidence based planning.
There is a notable increase in 13 Cottage Industry Program – In both reporting years, the Ministry targeted has Floriculture, Masi, Voivoi and Virgin Coconut Oil.

the Ministry Has considered to talking landowners, particularly villages and settlements, in creating orchards of local i.e.

Mandarin, fruits, Kumquat, Guava, Wi, Star apple, Custard apple, Dawa, Kavika, Sour-sop, Passion fruit and Jack fruit, to produce juice, jam and pickles and crystalized sweets and dried chips?
14 to pursue The Ministry’s 2014 Annual Corporate Plan aimed to agricultural developments.

Can you the please committee the these objectives developments and please highlight its progress?

enlighten on of 15 Briefly explain the objective of the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda as highlighted by the Minister in his foreword in the 2015 report.

Any annual challenges faced in its farmer, youth and agribusiness participation producing market driven commodities.
This program targeted the following commodities; Floriculture, Masi, Voivoi and Virgin Coconut Oil.

The Extension officers’ core role is to provide sound advice on Agriculture Development in their respective localities which include land owners.

Extension officers also undertake farmer’s training on best farming practices and the Research Division undertake training on post-harvest losses with Women’s Groups and other communities including land.
The Orchards programme is one of the key initiatives of our Strategic Development Plan 2019 – 2023 and is also included in our Annual Budget Submission under the Tree Crops Programmes.

It is also a key component of the Ministry’s post COVID expansion and growth plan.

For the current financial year we have established 23 orchards for guava, avocado, breadfruit and dragon fruit.
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for;  Maintaining Food Security through the provision of Extension and Research Services for Crop & Livestock  Quick Economic Recovery through the implementation through the (DDA) Programme and other Demand Driven Approach commodity projects  Assisting in Poverty Alleviation by building capacity of farmers to increase production  Sustainable Management of Natural Resources through the Flood Protection programmes and other Sustainable Management Land practices Progress and achievements for the above responsibility are clearly highlighted in the 2014 Annual Report as per above matrix.
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for;  Maintaining Food Security through the provision of Extension and Research Services for Crop & Livestock  Quick Economic Recovery through the implementation through the Demand Driven Approach (DDA) Programme and other commodity projects  Assisting in Poverty Alleviation by building capacity of farmers to increase production and implementation how did the Ministry respond the challenges?
to 16 With all the challenges faced by the Ministry in 2014 and 2015, are there any plans in place for the Ministry to undertake to be able to tackle its challenges to improve its services in years to come?

 Sustainable Management of Natural Resources through the Flood Protection programmes and other Sustainable Management Land practices Progress and achievements for the above responsibility are clearly highlighted in the 2014 Annual Report as per above matrix.
Ministry of Agriculture 2019-2023 Strategic Development Plan which cascades from NDP/SDG.

The plans are to improve Food and Nutrition Security for all Fijians, increase farmer household income for Sustainable Agriculture Livelihoods, improve the adoption of sustainable resource management Climate Smart Agriculture and Establish and improve Agriculture.

17 Can you please give a brief summary of the roles of each division of the Ministry in 2014 and 2015 and highlight the achievements?
Did the Divisions achieve its objectives?

Please explain.

Achievements 2014 Reference to pages 18 to 24 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.

80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Achievements 2015 Reference to pages 18 to 25 of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Reference to pages 26 to 32 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.

80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Reference to pages 26 to 34 of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Division Role Crop Extension Assist Animal Health & Production Division Farmers in the transitioning of subsistence to semi- commercial and Commercial standard.

Provide knowledge and other livestock related services livestock to industries processes distributors, importers and exporters, small holder livestock and farmers clients necessary for the adoption of best practices.
& Crop Research Compliment of result and support the Department of Agriculture through innovation new technologies and its transfer to suit the need farmers, of clients and the stakeholders for the enhancement of the Agriculture sector.

Mitigate Flood which Risks in may to damage agricultural crops, livestock, and property human lives as well as provision of efficient and effective drainage maximize agricultural land utilization.
Strengthen and accelerate the participation and adoption of sustainable agricultural system for all and ensuring sustainable land management Formulate Agriculture the to and Land Water Resource Management Land Resource Planning Department Economic Planning and Reference to pages 41 to 44 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Reference to pages 35 to 39 of the of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.

81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Reference to pages 34 to 36 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Reference to pages 44 to 49 of the of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.

81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Reference to pages 38 and 39 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Reference to pages 40 to 43 of the of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.

81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Reference to pages 46 and 47 of the Ministry’s 2014 Annual Reference to pages 50 to 53 of the of the Ministry’s 2015 Annual Report, Parliamentary paper no.
80, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry -of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2014.pdf Report, Parliamentary paper no.

81, http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Ministry- of-Agriculture-Annual-Report- 2015.pdf Statistics and in an Sector Development Policies appropriate strategies subsequent program in activities accordance with the government strategic plan.

Appendix Two – Supplementary Response Ministry of Agriculture No: 1.
Question For q5 – the members was not satisfied with the responses given and needed more clarity on the issue and the reasons why the organization structure was not captured in both the annual reports as forthcoming from other Ministries.
The reasons given and I quote “The overall aim is to allow our readers to focus mainly on the Ministry’s achievements and targeted outcomes rather than the usual micro details that will be tedious to our stakeholders and users of the Ministry Annual reports” was not acceptable to the members.

Please validate the statement above.

2.


Q10 – 2015 annual report, page 46 extension division – Vunivesi Farm Road – the report says 1.3 km completed but on the ground the same road is not completed and inaccessible till to date.

This issues was raised by Hon.

Sigarara, Assistant Minister for Maritime & Rural Development and National Disaster Management & Defense.
Answer For both years, the Ministry had embarked on reviewing its Annual Reporting format whereby the Annual Report Committee have agreed on highlighting only the Executive Management of each Division to represent the structure of the Ministry.

The original structure of the Ministry is clearly presented in the Annual Corporate Plan of both years.

The idea to change format was strongly Executive by recommended Management during to years streamline and ensure focus reporting on Targets Achieved.
the those Apologies if this was not acceptable but please to attached organization structures 2014, 2015 respectively sourced from ACP for both years.

refer In 2015, only the scoping work was carried out.

The process to maintain a farm road is a very long process considering the current system within Government.

Example, in most cases, farm road activities usually spillover to the next financial year.

In 2017/2018 Budget was provided for work to begin on Vunivesi Farm Road.
Phase 1 Activities include, Pilot Cut, Levelling and Formation and Construction of side drain.

With the Budget Provision of 2018/2019, work on Phase 2 continued.

Tender process was finalized in the same Fiscal Year with the assignment of a contractor to carry out gravelling of Farm Road.

Upon receipt of assigned Tender Contract, the Contractor was reluctant to sign due to unsatisfactory work carried out in Phase 1.

Thus, the delay in progress on finalizing Vunivesi Farm Road.
Budget was utilized on other Farm Roads that were ready for upgrading.

The plan is to include Vunivesi Farm Road in the upcoming Financial Year’s budget.

3.

4.

The Ministry to provide the number of agriculture stations in Fiji and the number of staff employed in each stations.

Please do consider the gender analysis.

Members kindly requests data for male and female staff Agriculture projects/programs– does the Ministry have monitoring mechanisms in place to monitor all the agricultural projects?
the mechanism tools?

please provide a brief to the committee How effective are There are 79 stations in Fiji.

Attached is the list and map of Ministry of Agriculture stations.

There are 545 positions in the Ministry of Agriculture stationed throughout Fiji.

Total Total Male Female 109 Total staff 436 545 The above table does not include officers who are engaged on Temporary and Project basis.

Consistent Monitoring and Evaluation has always been a challenge with the Ministry.
The Monitoring and Evaluation unit was established the engagement of a Principal Economic Planning Officer and Evaluation) Unit.

Due to limited number of staff in the Division, Project officers from Statistics Unit were assigned to assist PEPO M&E with monitoring and evaluation activities.

in August 2014 with (Monitoring Improvement of Monitoring and Evaluation System in the Ministry has always been a progressive initiative of EP&S Division.
Over the years, changes in management of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit have also contributed to the ineffectiveness of M&E processes within the Ministry.

in assistance The Ministry is now engaging with FAO for technical ensuring establishment of a standard and effective monitoring and evaluation tools.

This is an ongoing engagement and has resulted in the setting up of a standard M&E framework for the Ministry’s Strategic monitoring of Development Plan and Annual Costed Operational Plan.
This Financial Year 2019/2020 the Ministry was able to release its first COP monitoring report for the first nine (9) months of 2019/2020.

This was 5.

The Fiji Government has launched the 5 year NDP in November 2017.

We are exactly two and half years (2 and 1/5 years) into the Plan carried out with the use of KOBO Tool Box system.

Ongoing activities of the M&E Unit include monitoring and evaluation of Capital Programs and the Monitoring of SDP and COP indicators and success story reports.
The Ministry developed a 5 year Strategic Development Plan 2019-2023 (SDP) as a forward looking and rolling plan, which will allow the review and inclusion of ideas over time.

The MoA SDP draws direct linkages to sectoral and National goals set by the governments five year and 20 year National Development Plan (NDP).

It portrays a bold vision of “Transforming Fiji” mapping out the way forward for Fiji and all Fijians to realize its full potential as a nation.
It provides a detailed action agenda with specific targets and policies.

The Ministry’s SDP lays out 5 key strategic priorities over the next five years which is designed to be robust and responsive to the through a clear Monitoring and needs Evaluation Framework.

Food and Nutrition Increase farmer household income The five strategic priorities are; Improve 1.
Security for all Fijians; 2. for sustainable livelihoods; Increase adoption of sustainable 3. resource management and climate smart agriculture; 4. agriculture; 5.

Improve quality public performance and service delivery.

Establish and improve commercial sector The Ministry’s SDP Framework cascade from the National Development Plans particularly with reference to the following indicators.
Here are some linkages between the NDP and MoA SDP: NDP 3.1.4 Food and Nutrition Security; Every Fijian has adequate food of acceptable quality and nutritional value.

– MoA SDP SP 1 – Improve Food and Nutrition Security for all Fijians.

MoA Planned Activities: -Ensure improved production and access to local, safe and nutritious food for all communities.

-Increase adoption of local food gardens by school and demand for diverse, nutritious and safe food.
-Increase production of resilient, safe and and urban nutritious communities.

-Strong multi sector approach by food and nutrition supported by food and nutrition security policy.

-Strengthened demand driven research and extend partnership with private sector and established institutions.

rural food in resource management services and building NDP 3.2.10 Expanding the Rural Economy.

Promoting equal opportunities, access to resilient basic communities.
– MoA SDP SP 2 & 3-Increase farmer household income for sustainable Increase adoption of livelihoods and and sustainable climate smart agriculture.

MoA Planned activities: -Increased farmer participation in existing and new demand driven markets.

-Increased participation of women and youth in the crop and livestock agriculture sector.
-Strengthened MoA institutional approach, capacity and engagement with partners with stakeholders that support market-driven production of agriculture commodities and products.

-Increase access to resilient crop varieties, livestock breeds.

-Increase awareness and adoption of sustainable and climate smart agriculture practices.

resource management NDP 3.2.12 Non Sugar Agriculture; Competitive, sustainable and value adding agriculture.

– MOA SDP SP 4 – Establish and improve commercial agriculture.
MoA planned Activities: -Increased farmer agri-business participation producing market driven commodities.

-Improve commercial agriculture linkage with Tourism Industry.
Appendix Three – 2014 and 2015 Annual Report Summary for Ministry of Agriculture PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 Annual Report Summary- Ministry of Agriculture 2014 Standing Committee on Natural Resources Vision-“To Influence market forces through vibrant and sustainable agriculture activity that reduces poverty, reduces the risk of food insecurity and increases the contribution to GDP” Mission-“To excel in the provision of customer-focused and market-driven services in the Agricultural Sector” Principal Activity The Ministry’s primary functions include:  To accelerate agricultural product diversification into crops and products where 2014 MPs Comments Organization Structure Achievements/Major Highlights competitive advantage has been identified,  To facilitate private sector development,  To promote food security, and,  To ensure sustainable development in non-sugar sector.
Details can be seen on page 9 of the annual report.

 Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) GDP FJ$500m from $497m in 2013 – the sector contributed 8% to National GDP in 2014 (inclusive of growing sugarcane $50.4m).

 Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) Trade - Fiji earned $180m from exports of Crop & Livestock commodities this year which is 16% of National Domestic Export.

Fiji imported $556m of Crop and Livestock Products contributing 12% to National Import Bill.
Fiji exported Crop & Livestock Commodities to 50 countries of which New Zealand and Australia remained the dominant destinations contributing 19.1% ($34.5m) and 18.8% ($33.9m) respectively to the total Crop & Livestock Export Income.

All Crop & Livestock commodities are exported fresh/chilled, frozen and value added (exclusive of sugarcane).
 Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) Production - The sector produced 294,877 tonnes of crops & livestock commodities this year, from 52,978 farming population of which 85% are from the rural sector.

Non sugar Crops Sector produced a total of 253,878 tonnes of which Cassava contributed the highest production volume of 77,721 tonnes (31%).

The Livestock Sector produced a total of 40,999 metric tons whereby the highest production volume for (21,840mt).
Total production for this year decreased by 6% as compared to 2013 due to the long dry spell in the 3rd and 4th Quarter of 2014 more particularly in the Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 Western and Northern side of Fiji.

Cassava has remained a major agriculture produce over the years.
 Major Crop commodities in 2014 were:  Dalo production: 62,748mt, total Export of 7,649mt of $22m, top export destination was New Zealand (4,554mt)  Ginger production: 5,553mt, total Export of 145mt of $0.7m, top export destination was New Zealand (77mt)  Yaqona production: 3,871mt, total Export of 223mt of $7.9m, top export destination was Kiribati (92mt)  Cassava production: 77,721mt, total Export of 1,761mt of $2.7m, top export destination was Australia (832mt)  Pineapple production: 6,538mt, total Export of 13mt of $28,947, top export destination was New Zealand (11mt)  Pawpaw production: 5,777mt, total Export of 445mt of $1.6m, top export destination was New Zealand (218mt)  Major Livestock commodities in 2014 were:  Sheep production: 41mt, total Export of 59.8mt of $143,888, top export destination was Kiribati (50kg)  Pig production: 997mt, total Export of 15.8mt of $153,785, top export destination was Nauru (664kg)  Beef production: 2,800mt, total Export of 8.6mt of $102,385m, top export destination was Tuvalu (2.4mt)  Poultry production: 21,840mt, total Export of 138mt of $968,784, top export destination was Vanuatu (93mt)  Dairy production (milk): 14.9 m liters, total Export of 3.5mt of $6,816, top export destination was Wallis & Futuna (2mt)  Goat production: 105mt  Crop Extension Services  Participatory Agricultural Extension (PAE) - was the approach adopted through Crop Extension work for the successful implementation of the core functions of crop extension services.
Farmers were empowered to make decisions that will improve their livelihoods in a sustainable manner.

Activities such as farmer field school and participatory technology development contributed a lot in the successful implementation of Ministry’s crop development projects this year.
Budgetary allocation was increased to $5.3m with a new funding for Potato and Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 Flat Land Development.

Extension services demands good planning and timely implementation of all programs that resulted in the achievement of more than 60% utilization at the end of June.
 Funded Crop Programs o The Food Security Program was able to produce 772.3mt of Assorted Vegetables.

The allocated $683,228 budget was able to fund 5 projects in the Western Division and the Division was able to utilize 100% mainly for the procurement of 10 Wheeler Trucks, drilling and installation of borehole, construction of a greenhouse and establishment of vegetable and pineapple farms.
o Potato Development & Research at Sigatoka Research Station (SRS), the research component looks at four core activities which is aimed at improving current package of practice of growing potato, develop potato seed, storage techniques and introduction of promising varieties for Fiji.

Crop Extension on the other hand is assisting in putting the infrastructure in place, for example cooler storage facilities as well as organizing farmers for field planting.
The Program was able to assist 32 farmers, planted 4.26ha, produced 45 tonnes, and earned $12,524.45.

o Export Promotion Program $906,639 allocation was able to fund the following activities; contracts of 6 BQA staff, Installation of 3 Phase Power (Maqere Export), establishment of Vegetable, Pawpaw, Cassava, Dalo & Yaqona farm, installation of boreholes, installation of irrigation system and procurement of 2 tractors.

All funds allocated for EPP this year were fully utilised on the 24 projects.
A total production of 5517mt was produced from newly planted and also existing plants (Yaqona, Pawpaw, Dalo).

o Sigatoka Valley Development Program has produced 1,523mt from the targeted commodities (Papaya, eggplants, chilies, maize & tomatoes), with $200,000 budget allocation the program procured assorted vegetables planting materials, agro infrastructure development and farm implements.
inputs, o Rural And Outer Island Program (ROI) a total of 20 Projects were funded under this Program for the following activities; Establishment of Integrated Farming Project, Procurement of Tractors, Establishment of VCO farming and Construction of farm roads.

For the 20 projects funded 1 for Central Division, 11 for Eastern Division, 3 for Western Division and 5 for Northern Division.
Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 Total of 2,301mt of targeted commodities (Assorted Vegetables, Banana, Cassava, Dalo, Ginger, Pineapple, Rice, Vanilla) were produced from both existing and new plants.
o Rice Revitalization Program a total allocation of $1m was used to procure machines such as: medium combine harvester, mini combine harvester, portable rice mills, rice trans-planter, power tiller, rice reaper and rice thresher.

Total area harvested under this program was 5436ha producing 1,782mt of Rice.
o Coconut Development Program $370,000 allocation were mainly utilized for the construction of copra sheds and driers, VCO equipment, coconut nurseries and cartage cost of seed nuts for the four (4) Divisions.

The Ministry was able to harvest 2,943mt of coconuts from the existing trees.

o Cocoa Revitalization Program $258,540 allocation were used to purchase farm equipment that will assist in the rehabilitation program.
Funds allocated to Research were used for raising seedlings for replanting of old and senile trees.

A total of 9 metric tons of cocoa was harvested this year from existing cocoa Growers in Namau, Tailevu and Nabalabala in Ra.

o Ginger Development Program $283,125 allocation was used to procure planting materials, agro inputs, and land preparation, construction of wash bays and establishment of nurseries.

A total of 9 hectares of immature ginger were cultivated in Central Division under this program.
From this area, a total of 206 metric tons of immature ginger was produced.

o Vanilla Development Program this new program is to rehabilitate the existing Vanilla farms that have been neglected over years mainly in Central and Northern Divisions.

$50,000 allocation were used to purchase farm equipment that assist in the program.

Planting and production achievements were derived from the new and existing projects.

There were 0.15ha harvested with 0.16mt production.
A total of approximately 100 families benefited from vanilla sales during the year.

Demonstration plots were also established (shade house).

There are 200 vanilla growers in Fiji and the main buyers are Koko Siga Limited and Spices Fiji Limited.

The Division successfully rehabilitated 25,000 vines under this Program.
o Agriculture Extension Services Program the fund was used to provide technical services including demonstration plots, farmer trainings, field days, office equipment and tool kits while 12% ($24,000) of total funding was for Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 monitoring and support services.
From the cultivated area, a total of 1,656 metric tons of 10 targeted commodities were harvested.

o Rotuma Island Development Program $50,000 allocation to procure planting materials for the following commodities; dalo, cassava, kumala, vegetables, coconut, yaqona and pawpaw.

In addition, livestock fattening farm was established and breeding stock purchased.

The Program has achieved a total production of 356mt from targeted commodities.
o Saivou Development Program $250,000 allocation was mainly for the procurement of one tractor with implements, combine rice harvester and culvert crossing among other activities.

Total of 179.8mt of targeted commodities (rice, fruits, root crops and assorted vegetables) produced.

o Nadarivatu Development Program total of $150,000 was used to buy assorted vegetable seeds that thrive during off-season.
Apart from that, assistance was extended towards infrastructure improvement, procurement of agro inputs and other farming equipment.

Total of 212 metric tons of targeted commodities (capsicum, rockmelon, tomato, carrot, lettuce, zucchini and celery) were produced.
o Cottage Industry Program $100,000 allocation was used to procure three greenhouse materials for floriculture nurseries in Nadroga and Ba, construction of a masi and voivoi drying shelter in Lakeba, Lau, improvement of VCO shed and equipment in Cicia, establishment of demonstration plots in Tailevu and Serua.

Achievement: Two metric tons of assorted vegetables was produced from this program.
o Non Capital Programs a total production of 236,095mt of targeted commodities (Vegetables, Dalo, Cassava, Dalo Ni tana, Via, Kumala, Breadfruit, Yams, Rice, Duruka, Banana, Vudi, Vanilla, Voivoi and Floriculture) was achieved from subsistence farmers (Non-Capital Program).
 Animal Health & Production  A total of $4.23m allocated for Animal Health & Production Capital Program and utilize 98% of funds for following: o o Implementation of Demand Driven Approach Program worth $1.24m for 90 Livestock Projects.

A total of $0.1m was released for the development and operation of the Apiculture Industry while $1.0m was for the Dairy Development Program under the Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company Limited (FCDCL).
Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 o o o o o Facilitated the successful shipment of sheep export to Samoa and local sales in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and the Maritime Zones.

$1.1m was used for the improvement of the premises and other important activities such as Tuberculosis & Brucelloisis Eradication Programme.
A total of $1.85m was allocated for renovation of research stations infrastructure and breeding programmes.

A total of 20 motorbikes, 20 laptops, clinical uniforms and safety gears were purchased this year through Agriculture Extension Services to improve service delivery.

 Funded Livestock Programs o o o o Food Security Programme (FSP) total number of 30 projects, mostly of these projects were successfully implemented.
A total of 54% of the funding was for Beef, 17% for Pig, 13% Sheep, 10% Poultry and 3% for Goat and Bees.

Dairy Industry Support (DIS), total of 54 projects were approved under this programme, of which 52 for on farm development such as dairy sheds & stockyard improvement, water reticulation, drainage, pasture renovation and paddock subdivision.

In addition, one project was for the purchase of milking equipment such as milking cans (177), buckets (200) and milking machines.
Rural And Outer Island Programme (ROI), a total of eight projects were approved.

Livestock Production  Beef Commodity recorded a total of 17,373 cows (breeders) with a total stock of 44,568.

Beef production through the formal market increased to 2,800ton with a total of 7229 animals slaughtered.

 Dairy Commodity recorded a total of 15,411 milking cows; 350 Chilling Centre Suppliers, 19 Bulk Suppliers, 39 Town Suppliers and 159 farmers who are supplying Ghee.
A total of 10.2m litres of milk was supplied to the Fiji Dairy Limited (FDL) by the Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (FCDCL).

However, the total production for the formal and informal market was 14.9m litres.

 The Sheep Industry is geared towards reducing mutton imports especially the high quality sheep cuts.

This year, Sheep Commodity recorded a total of 17,858 stocks from 495 supervised farms.

Locally, a total of 41 tons of boneless meat was produced from 28.75 tons carcass.
This year, a total of 130 Fiji Fantastic Sheep were exported to Samoa.

Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042  Pig Commodity recorded a total of 5,610 breeding sows and a total stock of 28,869 from 2,085 supervised farms.

Majority of these farms were from the Central Eastern Division which accounted for 65% of the total number of stock.
A total of 997.5 tonnes of pork was produced from 17,033 pigs slaughtered.

 Goat Commodity recorded a total of 16740 does and a total stock of 38000 from 935 farms.

Majority of goat farms and total stock were from the Northern Division followed by Western and Central/Eastern Division.

A total of 105 tons of goat meat was produced from 258 goats slaughtered in the registered abattoir.

 The Apiculture Section recorded a total 13,817 hives from 1543 farms.
A total of 50712 hives, 1471 nucleus box and 1662 queen bee were produced during the year.

The Section also inspected a total of 1681 hives with a total of 12 infected.

A total of 339.66 tons of honey was produced during the year.

 Poultry Commodity comprises of broiler production, edible egg production and day old chicks production.

Locally, a total number of 11,990,252 broilers were slaughtered through the registered slaughterhouse producing 12,839.3 tons of poultry meat from 321 farms.
Edible egg production recorded a total of 9,914,132 dozens of eggs from 486 farms.

Day Old Chicks production recorded a total of 10,002,738 broiler day old chick during the year.

o Commercial Undertakings (CUT) recorded a total of $1,272,445.28 as gross income for 2014 and this is 27.34% more than the 2013 achievement ($999,240.66).

A total of $1,166,249.61 was committed as expenses resulting to a profit of $106,195.67.
o There were continuous Brucellosis Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC) surveillance carried out focusing on the registered dairy farms, beef farms, villages and settlements within infected zones in the Central Division.

Brucellosis prevalence has now reduced to 0.04% and most of the previously infected farms are on recovery process whereby the no.

of infected farms was reduced from 14 (2013) to 9 farms (2014).
A total of 35,094 bovine tested this year on which 554 farms reacted to the test conducted.

o Veterinary Pathology Laboratory achievements were the successful rating of the Livestock Research Laboratory by the Delegation from OIE after a thorough Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 investigation and analysis.
The Laboratory was awarded with four (4) rating which is second highest compared to the 2 in 2007.

The Fiji Veterinary pathology Laboratory received a total budget of $100,000.00 which was utilised for the Laboratory Accreditation activities and procurement of the Haematology Analyser Machine and Bio-Rad ELISA plate reader.

o Regulatory Services 12 slaughter houses and 1 cannery, 25 meat carrying vehicles and 580 personnel’s were inspected, certified and underwent medical certification around the country.
More details provided on pages 29-30 of Annual report.

o Livestock research achievements listed on pages 30-32 of annual report.
 Land & Water Resource Management  Dredging of the Ba, Rewa and Labasa rivers and bank protection works in Nasali and Ba rivers;  Completion of the Environment Impact Assessment Study of Penang River dredging and dam construction works in the Nadi Watershed;  Six (6) irrigation schemes maintained in the Northern Division and one (1) in the Central Division; Drainage improvements were also undertaken in rice rainfed areas in Macuata, Nasarawaqa and Namau in Bua;  The Drainage Subsidy Grant funds the operation and maintenance for all drainage schemes under the jurisdiction of the three (3) Drainage Boards.
The Central Division Drainage Board undertook works in thirty nine (39) schemes, the Labasa Drainage Board twelve (12) schemes and the Western Division Drainage Board twenty one (21) schemes;  Technical assistance support was provided to Matainoco Village & Koroboya School Drainage funded by the Prime Minister’s Office, Small Grant Scheme, Bau Island seawall and Suweni Village bank protection construction works for the Ministry of Regional Development; and  The Programmes annual capital budgetary allocation was $9.2m.
The total funds released was 97% of the annual provision, total expenditure was 95%.

 Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC), the objective of the project was to build resilience of communities to the impacts of climate variability on food security and to demonstrate through improved drainage networks and research on crop adaptability.

The project commenced in 2009 and was completed in December, 2014.
The major highlights: 2 demonstration farms established at Nakelo and Ravodrau to research three (3) varieties of dalo, kumala and cassava for water logging Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 resilience; Socio economic survey of households; Construction of new floodgate structure at Waikete.
 Japanese Technical Assistance – Nadi Flood Control Study, the Japanese Government in response to the Fiji Government is currently implementing a Technical Assistance Project for the Planning of the Nadi River Flood Control Structures in Fiji.

The Ministry of Agriculture is the Focal Agency for the study with the Director LWRM providing assistance to the JICA Study Team.

The project has completed its Inception Report and is currently working on the detailed study phases of the work plan.
 Land Resource Planning & Development  The Ministry was allocated with $300,000 for the implementation of the two (2) Land Resource Planning and Management Programs; 1.

Sustainable Land Management: $200,000 and 2.

Farm Management: $100,000.

(Further details can be found on pages 38-39 of the annual report).

 Crop Research  The year 2014 marked another achievement for the Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture with an increase in budgetary allocation for capital projects.
A total of $1.977m was allocated to fund research activities in 2014 which was a 62% increase from the 2013 allocation.

The funding targeted to develop affordable agricultural technologies and dissemination of research findings to stakeholders.

Important commodities like rice, dalo, cassava, yams, papaya, pineapple, tomatoes, chilies, capsicum, pulses, maize, coconuts & cocoa and some minor commodities were the focus of research activities during the year.
This was supported by research activities on pest management and chemistry laboratory accreditation that conducted research on aspects of pest and disease management and analytical services and post-harvest losses, respectively.

 A number of collaborative researches were carried out during the year including the Integrated Crop Management; ACIAR funded projects: Soil Health Project, Developing Cleaner Export Pathway for Pacific Agriculture Commodities.
The ground work for the JUNCAO Mushroom Technology commenced at Legalega Research Station which was funded by the Chinese Government.

The Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) conducted research on low land areas on two pilot sites in Fiji focusing on climate change adaptation and food security.

Two issues of the Fiji Agricultural Journal Volume 54 were published in June and December.
Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042  Economic Planning & Statistics  A number of Memorandum of Understanding, Memorandum of Agreement, Surveys, Budget Consultations, Policy formulations and Markets Scopings were planned and implemented well through the work of Economists, Analysts and Statisticians employed in the Ministry.
 One of the milestone achievements this year was the Launching of Agriculture 2020 Policy Agenda facilitated and coordinated by the Policy Section of the Division in the Ministry.

 Fiji Agricultural and Rural Statistics (FARS) Unit played a vital role in enhancing data compilation through census, surveys and quarterly divisional reports, to ensure timely dissemination of improved quality and reliable statistics.
Financial (Company’s) Position Total Receipts Total Expenditure Total Income Total Expenses Net (loss)/profit Current Assets Current Liability Total Equity 2014 $ 617,408 57,071,105 114,575 532,625 (418,050) 2,065,180 - 2,065,180 2013 $ 548,254 44,983,612 193,400 195,060 (1,660) 1,841,065 - 1,841,065 Financial Highlights  Total Budget allocation totaled up to $62.4m of which $34.3m was allocated for Capital Programs while the Operating Costs totaled to $28.1m.
 The Land Water & Resource Management (LWRM) Division was allocated the highest share of the budget mainly to fund for the land drainage and flood protection programs followed by the Crop Extension Division where a large share of the budget was allocated for the Rice Revitalization, Food Security and Export Promotion Programs.

Audit Opinion Qualifications Trading and Manufacturing Account 1.
There is an un-reconciled difference amounting to $238,582 between the General Ledger (FMIS) and TMA bank reconciliation for Cash at Bank.

Accordingly, Auditor has been unable to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the TMA Cash at bank of $1,031,806 as shown in the TMA Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2014.

Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 2.

3.
3.

Included in the TMA Trading Account is Closing Stock of Finished Goods of $1,014,577.

Auditor does not express an opinion on the accuracy and completeness of Closing Stock of Finished Goods as the Ministry did not carry out an independent stock take for the year ended 31 December 2014.

Included in the Trading and Manufacturing Account (TMA) Balance Sheet is TMA Surplus Capital Retained of $2,263,536 and TMA Surplus transferred to Consolidated Fund of $220,629.
Auditor was not able to verify the amounts as the Ministry was not able to provide appropriate audit evidence to support the balances.

As a result, the Auditor was not able to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the Trading and Manufacturing Account as at 31 December 2014.

Trust Account Statement 4.


The Ministry was not able to provide appropriate audit evidence to reconcile and ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the Trust Fund Cash at bank – Retention Fund (LWRM) balance of $877,651 and Trust Fund - Retention Fund balance of $269,813 as shown in the General Ledger (FMIS) with the Trust Fund balance $390,248 reflected in the Trust Account Statement as at 31 December 2014.
As a result, the Auditor was not able to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the Trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments (LWRW) for the year at 31 December 2014.

Statement of Losses 5.

The Ministry did not carry out a Board of Survey for 2014.

In the absence of the Board of Survey Report, the Losses of fixed assets, if any, that occurred during the year could not be substantiated.
As a result, the Auditor was not able to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the Statement of Losses for the year as at 31 December 2014.

Audit Opinion In Auditors opinion, except for the matters referred to in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraphs, (a) the financial statements present fairly, in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Note 2, the financial performance of the Ministry of Agriculture for the year ended 31 December 2014.
Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200042 (b) the financial statements give the information required by the Financial Management Act 2004 in the manner so required.

Gender Analysis  There are 3 female Directors in the Ministry.
 Cottage Industry Program conducted monitoring & support services, farmers training, field days targeting women’s group and individual women’s project.

Challenges faced by the Ministry The Food Security Program was affected by the prolonged dry spell in the middle of 2014 had its implication on planting as well as production.

Definitions:  Commelina diffusa - sometimes known as the climbing dayflower or spreading dayflower, is a pantropical herbaceous plant in the dayflower family.
It has been introduced to the southeastern United States where it is most common in wet disturbed soils.1  Colletotrichum - is a genus of fungi that are symbionts to plants as endophytes (living within the plant) or phytopathogens.

Many of the species in this genus are plant pathogens, but some species may have a mutualistic relationship with hosts.2  Merremia peltata - is a vine that strangles vegetation and invades forest strands.
It may provide rapid ground cover following land disturbance reducing erosion and nutrient loss.

There is debate over the extent to which external factors such as cyclones and land clearing drive the invasiveness of the species.3  Mucuna pruriens - is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated.
Its English common names include monkey tamarind, velvet bean, Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, and Lyon bean.4  Spermacoce or false buttonweed - is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae.

It comprises about 275 species found throughout the tropics and subtropics.
Its highest diversity is found in the Americas, followed by Africa, Australia and Asia.5  Wedelia - is a flowering plant genus in the sunflower family.

They are one of the genera commonly called "creeping-oxeyes.6 05 June 2020 Disclaimer The Annual Report Summary was prepared to assist the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in its review of the Ministry of Agriculture 2014 Annual Report.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it should not be taken as a complete or authoritative guide to the Report.

The Research and Library Team shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage of any kind arising from its use, and may remove, vary or amend any information at any time without prior notice.

The Research and Library Team accepts no responsibility for any references or links to, or the content of, information maintained by third parties.
Other sources should be consulted in the review of the Report.
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commelina_diffusa [Accessed: 05th June 2020] 2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colletotrichum [Accessed: 05th June 2020] 3 http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=163 [Accessed: 05th June 2020] 4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucuna_pruriens [Accessed: 05th June 2020] 5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermacoce [Accessed: 05th June 2020] 6 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedelia [Accessed: 05th June 2020] Prepared by Shrutkeertee Devi Email: shrutkeertee.devi@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043 Annual Report Summary- Ministry of Agriculture 2015 Standing Committee on Natural Resources Vision-“To influence market forces through vibrant and sustainable agriculture activity that reduces poverty, reduces the risks of food insecurity and increases the contribution to GDP” Mission-“To excel in the provision of customer focused and market driven services in the agricultural sector” Principal Activity The Ministry’s functions include:  To accelerate agricultural product diversification on crops and livestock products where 2015 MPs Comments Acts in Place Organization Structure Achievements/Major Highlights competitive advantage has been identified;  To facilitate private sector development;  To promote food security; and  To ensure sustainable development in the non-sugar sector.
The Ministry derived its core mandate from the Presidential Decree 2007 and is currently responsible for about 28 legislations.

The details about the legislations and regulations of the Ministry can be seen on page 10 of the annual report.

The organization structure is not provided in the annual report however; details pertaining to Executive Management can be viewed on page 11 of the annual report.
 In 2015, the Ministry rolled out the foundations of the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda focusing on a theme of ‘Modernizing Agriculture’.
 The Ministry’s activities in 2015 were aligned to the following 5 Government’s Key Pillars:  Pillar 4 - Enhancing Public Sector Effectiveness and Service Delivery  Pillar 5 - Achieving Higher Economic Growth while Ensuring Sustainability  Pillar 6 - Making more Land Available for Productive and Social services  Pillar 7 - Developing an Integrated Development Structure at the Divisional Level  Pillar 8 - Reduce Poverty to a Negligible Level by 2015 (refer to page 12 of the annual report for details).
 The Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) GDP in 2015 was FJ$542m when compared to the GDP in 2014 which was FJ$500m.

 The Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) Production for 2015 was 295,537 metric tons compared to 294,877 metric tons for 2014.

Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043  The Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) Import was $514m which is 12% of the national import bill.
 In 2015, value of import declined by 7%.

The volume of fruits and vegetables imported in 2015 decreased by 3 %.

 The Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) Domestic Export was FJ$198m which is 18% of the  National Domestic Export Value.

In 2015, the agriculture sector harvested 295,532 tonnes of crop & livestock commodities which is 0.2% more than the production in 2014.

The contribution of the sector to the National GDP from $500.4 million (7.8%) in 2014 to $541.9 million (8.1%) in 2015.
 The Crop & Livestock sub-sector GDP growth increased by 8.3% due to increases in the production of yaqona, pineapple and coconut.

 Cassava remained as the top agriculture commodity produced in Fiji every year since it is planted mainly for home consumption with Dalo at 2nd ranking.

 The positive growth of the sector in export for the past three years (2013-2015) was mainly  due to the expansion of market scoping more particularly to the US Market.
In 2015, crops & livestock commodities were exported to 47 countries.

Total number of exported commodities increased from 233 in 2014 to 245 in 2015.

 Total Crop and Livestock export quantities increased from 74,185 metric tons in 2014 to 82,294 metric tons in 2015.

 The top 10 export destinations for Agriculture (Crop & Livestock) are: NZ, Australia, Samoa, Vanuatu, USA, Tonga, PNG, Kiribati, Solomon Ilsand and Wallis & Futuna.
 The details of the major crop and livestock commodities can be seen on pages 16 & 17 of the  annual report.
In 2015 a total of 14 Programs was assigned to Crop Extension Division with a total budget allocation of $7.6m to support the implementation of activities under the programs that could enhance food and income security, promote exports and alleviate poverty in Fiji:  Food Security Program (FSP) - the main emphasis is to boost local production through our various programs in order to reduce our current import bills.

In 2015, 615 tons of agriculture produce was produced under this program.
 Potato Development Program - a total of 247 tons of potatoes were harvested in 2015 compared to the 45 tons produced in 2014.

The average yield is around 4.97 tons / ha; the other fact remains that the quality (size) have improved.

 Export Promotion Program - in 2015, the Ministry produced 5,579 tons of commodities under the Export Promotion Program which is 4 % more than production in 2014.

The targeted commodities were Dalo, Cassava, Vegetables, Pawpaw and Ginger.
Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043  Sigatoka Valley Development - contributed 1,451 tons to total agriculture production in 2015 which is 5% less than 2014 production.

Crops targeted were papaya, eggplants, chillies, maize and tomatoes.
 Rural Outer Island - there were 19 projects assisted under the program during 2015 with agro-inputs and were solely for income generating crops for farmers within the maritime islands and rural areas.

In 2015, 3,034 metric tons were produced from the targeted crop commodities under the Rural & Outer Island Program.

 Rice Revitalization Program - aimed to reduce the import bill currently valued at $40m.

For 2015, Fiji harvested 3,303 tons of Rice which was more than the 1,782 ton produced in 2014.
 Coconut Development Program - funds allocated under the program were used for the construction of copra sheds and driers for the people of Lau.

In addition, VCO equipment, coconut nurseries and cartage cost of seed nuts for the 4 Divisions.

The Ministry also organized Coconut Field Days as the mechanism of transferring knowledge to farmers as an approach for increasing coconut production.

A total of 1,927 tons of coconut were produced this year.
 Cocoa Revitalization - the main focus of this program was to rehabilitate the existing cocoa farms that had been neglected for a number of years.

This year, Fiji produced 7 tons of Cocoa from the existing trees.

 Ginger Development - ginger is one of the commodities targeted for the export market.

There is also a demand in the local market for fresh and processed ginger.
The Ginger Industry continued to increase for the past years and as of 2015, farmers who received Government assistance managed to produce 399 tons of Ginger (Immature) which is 98% more than the production achieved in 2014.

 Vanilla Development - there are 200 vanilla growers in Fiji and the main buyers are Koko Siga Limited and Spices Fiji Limited.

The Division successfully rehabilitated 25,000 vines under this program in 2015.
 Agriculture Extension Services Program - mainly targets vulnerable farmers in all the geographical divisions.

These crops are known to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The targeted commodities were Yams, Kawai, Tivoli, Kumala, Dalo mix, Vudi, Banana and Dalo ni tana.

 Rotuma Island Development Program - production of Agriculture Commodities in Rotuma has increased for the past years leading to a production of 326 tons in 2015.
The targeted commodities were Dalo, Cassava, Kumala, Vegetables, Coconut, Yaqona and Pawpaw.

 Sigavou Development Program - the farmers who were assisted under the Sigavou Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043 Development Program managed to harvest 826 tons of the targeted commodities.
Cassava is the top commodity produced under this program out of the 14 agriculture commodities produced in Sigavou District.

 Nadarivatu Development Program - focuses on the production of imported goods that could be grown locally.

The funds were used to buy assorted vegetable seeds that thrive during off-season.

At the end of 2015, 158 tons of crop commodities were harvested from farmers who were assisted under this program.
 Cottage Industry - this program targets livelihood for womenfolk in rural areas.

The targeted commodities are Voivoi, Floriculture, Via, VCO.

 The Demand Driven Approach strategy under the Animal Health & Production Services includes the Food Security Programme, Dairy Industry Support programme and Rural and Outer Island Programme which was implemented during the year with a total released allocation of $1.14m.

This allocation made the implementation of 87 livestock projects possible and successful.
There are altogether 7 livestock commodities that are looked after by the Animal Health & Livestock Division.

In 2015, Fiji produced 40,081 tons of Livestock Products in both formal and informal market.

 The 3 Programs under Animal Health & Production Division:  Food Security Program (FSP) - a total number of 26 projects were under FSP.

Most of these projects were successfully implemented.
More than 50% of the funded projects were for the poultry industry, 21% for beef and the remaining funds were shared amongst other commodities.

The targeted commodities were beef, sheep, goats, pigs, bees and poultry.

 Dairy Industry Support (DIS) - during the year, a total of 40 projects were approved under this programme, of which 50 dairy sheds was constructed and 2 nutrition improvement programmes carried out that involved the establishment of fodder banks for cut and carry purposes.
 Rural & Outer Island Programme (ROI) - the main objective of the ROI programme was to increase agricultural production especially in the rural and maritime zones.

Through this assistance and prioritized measures, farmers are to increase production from the current level to either semi commercial or commercial level.

A total of 21 projects valued at around $303,865.45 have been established in the rural and outer islands.
 Production achievements of major Livestock industries:  Beef - a total of 15,097 cows (breeders) were recorded with a total stock of 39,482 in 2015.

The country produced 3,591 tons from both the formal and informal markets and imported 1,804 tons of beef in 2015.
Beef production through the formal market recorded Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043 a decrease in slaughter from 2,801 tons in 2014 to 1,519 tons.

The volume of beef exports has increased from 8 tons in 2014 to 10 tons in 2015.

 Dairy - A total of 7.78 million liters of milk was supplied to the Fiji Dairy Limited (FDL) by the Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (FCDCL).
However, the total production for the formal and informal market was 11.2 million liters compared to 14.9 million liters in 2014.

Fiji imported 2.7m liters of milk (Liquid; i.e.

excluding powdered and evaporated milk) in 2015.

Fiji Dairy (milk) is also exported and in 2015, 624 kg of milk was exported mostly to Pacific Island Countries.

 Sheep - a total of 4,925 sheep was slaughtered with a total weight of 74 tons in 2015 for both the formal and informal market.
Fiji imported 4,906 tons of sheep meat in 2015 compared to 4,486 tons imported in 2014.

A total of 14 tons of fresh/chilled Sheep meat was exported in 2015.

 Pig – a total of 14,625 pigs were slaughtered at the registered abattoirs producing 1,469 tons of pork compared to 17,033 slaughtered in 2014 with the weight of 997.5 tons.

Fiji imported 101 tons of fresh and chilled pig meat which is 50% less than the volume imported in 2014.
There is an enormous increase in export of fresh and chilled pork, from 7 tons in 2014 to 55 tons in 2015.

 Goat - a total of 269 goats were slaughtered in the formal market obtaining 2.7 tons of goat meat and 81.2 tons was produced in the informal market in 2015.

Fiji imported 131 tons of goat meat in 2015 compared to 118 tons imported 2014.

 Honey - a total of 203 tons of honey was recorded during 2015 and this is a decrease by 67% compared to 340 tons in 2014.
 Poultry – in 2015, a total number of 9,892,935 broilers were slaughtered through the registered slaughterhouse producing 23,400 tons of poultry meat.

Fiji imported 1,097 tons of fresh and chilled poultry meat (including duck meat) in 2015 and exported 204 tons which is 92% more than the volume exported in 2014.

 Details relating to Health & Disease Eradication, can be seen on pages 29, 30 & 31 of the annual report.
 Details relating to Crop Research Division, can be seen on pages 36, 37 & 38 of the annual  report.

Land Resource Planning & Development - for the budget allocated, $280,000 was used for Sustainable Land Management project which was adopted by the Government since 2008 and is now being promoted throughout Fiji in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, civil society and faith based organization.
The remaining $120,000 was allocated for Farm Management, mainly for Capacity Building of farmers (further details can be seen on pages 41 & 42 of the Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043  annual report).

Land & Water Resource Management - the Ministry was allocated with $9,659,031m to facilitate sustainable land and water resource management for agricultural development.
Thus, $5.9m was assigned for Flood Protection Program, $1.1m for Irrigation Services, $0.71m for Watershed and $2m for Drainage Subsidy (further details can be seen on pages 45-48 of the annual report).

 Details relating to Economic Planning & Statistics, can be seen on pages 51 & 52 of the annual report.

 Details relating to Human Resource, Finance & Information can be seen on pages 55 & 56 of Financial Position the annual report.
Total Revenue Total Expenditure Net (loss)/profit Total Liability and Equities Total Assets Audit Opinion Basis for Qualifications Trading and Manufacturing Account (TMA) 2015 $ 590,964 52,575,862 (440,325) 1,103,508 1,103,508 2014 $ 617,408 57,071,105 (418,050) 2,065,180 2,065,180 1.

2.

Included in the Trading and Manufacturing Account (TMA) Balance Sheet is Deposits & Retention of $22,113.
Auditor was not able to verify the amounts as the Ministry was not able to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of liability in the Trading and Manufacturing Account as at 31 December 2015.

Included in the TMA Trading Account is Closing Stock of Finished Goods of $709,078.
Auditor was unable to express an opinion on the accuracy and completeness of Closing Stock of Finished Goods as the Ministry did not carry out an independent stock take for the year ended 31 December 2015 and audit was not able to confirm the balance through alternative procedures given sufficient appropriate evidence.

3.

There is an un-reconciled variance amounting to $263,038 between the FMIS General Ledger cash balance and the TMA bank reconciliation statement.
Accordingly, Auditor was unable to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the TMA Cash at bank balance of $394,430 as at 31 December 2015.

Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200043 Trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments 4.
The closing balance of the Trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments of $456,998 did not correspond to the Cash at Bank FMIS general ledger balance of $968,582.

Accordingly, Auditor was unable to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of the Main Trust Fund balance as at 31 December 2015.

Statement of Loss 5.

The Ministry did not carry out a Board of Survey for 2015.
In the absence of a Board of Survey Report, the losses of fixed assets, if any, that occurred during the year could not be substantiated.

Furthermore, the Ministry’s loss report for 2015 did not include losses for the months of January to June.

Consequently, Auditor was not able to verify the accuracy and completeness of the Statement of Losses.
Qualified Audit Opinion In Auditors opinion, except for the effects of the matters referred to in the basis for qualified opinion paragraphs, (a) the financial statements present fairly, in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Note 2, the financial performance of the Ministry of Agriculture for the year ended 31 December 2015 (details of Note 2 are stated on page 71 of the annual report).
(b) the financial statements give the information required by the Financial Management Act 2004 Gender Analysis There are 3 females in executive positions in the Ministry.

in the manner so required.

05 June 2020 Disclaimer The Annual Report Summary was prepared to assist the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in its review of the Ministry of Agriculture 2015 Annual Report.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it should not be taken as a complete or authoritative guide to the Report.

The Research and Library Team shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage of any kind arising from its use, and may remove, vary or amend any information at any time without prior notice.

The Research and Library Team accepts no responsibility for any references or links to, or the content of, information maintained by third parties.
Other sources should be consulted in the review of the Report.

Prepared by Shobhna Rani Email: shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 05 June 2020