Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694825015353.pdf (Fiji)
ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 2019 Parliamentary Paper No.
: 99 TABLE OF CONTENT Minister’s Foreword Assistant Minister’s Statement Permanent Secretary’s Statement About the Report Corporate Profile Our Customers Ministry Functions Organisational Structure Strategic Priorities Agriculture Key Numbers Key Crop Commodities 2018 - 2019 Key Livestock Commodities 2018 - 2019 Agriculture Services & Programs Crop Extension Animal Health & Production Crop Research Land Resource Planning and Development Economic Planning & Statistics Human Resources, Finance & Information Financial Statement 2 3-4 15-19 20-23 24-26 27-31 32-35 36-38 39-54 1 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 MINISTERS FOREWORD The 2018 2019 Annual Report of the Ministry of Agriculture reflects the Ministry’s Annual Performance, aligned to the Ministry’s Costed Operational Plan; together with its audited Financial Statements.
The Ministry is responsible in providing support to hard-working Fijian farmers, ensuring they adapt to changing market signals and climate change.

The approach is wide-reaching, administering technical crop and livestock extension services to conducting new research and developing innovative solutions.
This report will highlight key activities of the Ministry especially the establishment of brucellosis-free farms, work on enhancing Fijian grown products for international markets and focus on import substitution commodities.

The Ministry will continue to work towards improving farmer’s perception on farming as a way of life by promoting farming as a business and modernising farms to take full advantage of a prospering Fijian economy.
On that note, I am pleased to acknowledge the continuing effort of all ministry staff and senior management in continuing to pursue the Ministry’s goals and strategic objectives.

..................................................... Hon.
Dr. Mahendra Reddy Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development Waterways and Environment 2 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 ASSISTANT MINISTER’S STATEMENT I am honored to offer my acknowledgement for the publication of the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2018-2019 Annual Report.
Despite challenges experienced throughout the year, the Ministry staff continued to perform in delivering services to the public and stakeholders.This report highlights the Ministry’s achievements, aligning it to Government’s directions and goals.

I believe staff of the Ministry have continued to improve their performance addressing issues affecting the development of the Sector whilst identifying and exploring opportunities that is available.
I would like to express my gratitude to Management and staff of the Ministry for their contribution and endless support to the Ministry’s overall objective throughout the year.

7.0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ SIGNATURE We, the Members of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, hereby agree with the contents of this report: Committee Member Hon.

Sanjay Kirpal, Chairperson Signature Hon.

Jale Sigarara, Deputy Chairperson Hon.

Alexander O’Connor (Member) ................................................ Hon.
Jale Sigarara Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon.

Mitieli Bulanauca (Member) 3 Hon.

Jese Saukuru (Member) Hon.

Peceli Vosanibola (Alternate Member) 15 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 ASSISTANT MINISTER’S STATEMENT The 2018 - 2019 Financial Year has been crucial to the Ministry of Agriculture as we embarked on implementing reform strategies, Ministry restructure and management turnover.
Throughout the year, the Agriculture Officials continued to perform in delivering services to public and stakeholders.

This report highlights the Ministry’s delivery of activities throughout the Financial Year and and how it dovetails to Government’s directions and strategies.

Also included in the report are a series of success stories and divisional highlights that reflects the achievement and successful implementation of planned programmes.
I would like to express my gratitude to Management and staff of the Ministry for their contribution and endless support to achieving Ministry’s overall objective.

Vinaka Vakalevu.

................................................ Hon.
Viam Pillay Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment 4 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 PERMANENT SECRETARY’S STATEMENT 2018/2019 financial year was an exciting one for the Ministry as we embrace the Costed Operational Plan (COP) as our new guiding document for all activities undertaken.

The COP highlighted detail funding for individual planned activities which enable the Ministry to monitor progress on assigned budget utilisation.
In delivering on our new plan, we reviewed our recent past performances, successes and shortcomings to develop and prioritise key changes that enable us to deliver more efficiently and effectively.

The Ministry focused on key commitments, such as the the review of standard operations procedures, use of technology to streamline our support and service delivery and begin consultation on a new organisation structure.
Whilst progressing to achieve our COP targets, we continue to commit to the highest standard of service delivery and support to all our stakeholders and citizens we serve.

Through this report, the Ministry outlines its performance and achievements on implementation of divisional plan and highlight success stories that signifies the impact of our intervention.
On that note I wish to sincerely ackowledge output by my team and continued support from our Stakeholders that has enabled us to deliver in this financial year.

It gives me great pleasure to present the Ministry of Agriculture 2018-2019 Annual Report.
.......................................... Mr. David Kolitagane Permanent Secretary for Agriculture 5 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 ABOUT THE REPORT The Ministry of Agriculture Annual report highlights the Ministry performance in accordance with the COP and Annual Budget for the year.

The report consists of details of performance measures from 1st August 2018 to 31st July, 2019.

Compilation of this report will be on: 1.

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Overview of the Ministry Agricultural Key Numbers Annual Performance Achievements Ministry Annual Financial Statement 6 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AT A GLANCE Ministry Corporate Profile VISION A Modernized Agriculture Sector providing food and income security for all Fijians.

MISSION To excel in the provision of customer focused and market driven services in the agricultural sector.
VALUE Impartiality • Good Governance • Integrity • Honesty • • Equity • Committment • Professionalism • Responsiveness • Courtesy • Responsibility • Partnership Innovation • 7 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 STAKEHOLDERS We take pride in serving our customers by implementing the ‘Customer Service Charter ‘which sets out our commitment to providing high quality standards of services that is beyond customer expectations.
Our customers include: l a n r e t n I l a n r e t x E • Farmers • MoA Staffs • Rural Community Leaders • Exporters • Importers • Processors • MoA Consultants • Ministries and Departments • Private Sector • Staturoy Bodies • Non-Governmental Organizations • Diplomatic Missions • Unions and Employers • Resource Owners • Academic Institutions 8 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 MINISTRY FUNCTION To accelerate agricultural product diversification into crops and livestock products where competitive advantage has been identified.
To facilitate private sector development To promote food security To ensure sustainable development in the non- sugar sector MINISTRY PORTFOLIO The Ministry has six (6) departments; Human Resource Division, Finance Division, Economic Planning and Statistics Division, Crop Extension Division, Animal Health & Plant Protection Division and Research Division.

These Divisions are devoted to achieving the yearly objectives of the MoA.
The MoA sets out plan and implements key policies and key activities to achieve higher economic growth whilst ensuring substantial sustainability of Fiji’s Agriculture Sector.

Continuing partnership with relevant stakeholders will enable more land available for productive and social purposes which encourage farming, adequate production and committed agriculture workforce.

The MoA provides an enabling environment for direct efficient delivery of services to stakeholders throughout Fiji.
The adoption of a ‘professional’ service delivery by the Ministry promotes maximum production through increased investments in the agriculture sector.
9 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 MINISTRY STRUCTURE Minister Assistant Minister Permanent Secretary Deputy Secretary Corporate Services & Planning Deputy Secretary Agriculure Development Human Resources Finance & Information Economic Planning & Statistics Crop Research Crop Extension Animal Health & Production Division Human Resources Management & Development Finance Information & Communication Agriculture Trade Agronomy Technology Transfer Veterinary Services Policy & International Relations Plant Protection Crop Production Pasture & Feed Technology Fiji Agriculture and Rural Statistics Project & Budget Monitoring & Evaluation Horticulture Technical Advice Chemistry Farmer Training Land Use Farm Management Livestock Technology Livestock Production Government Entities Fiji Rice Ltd, Food Processors Ltd, Agricultural Marketing Authority, Fiji Corporate Dairy Company Limited, Fiji Meat & Industry Board, Copra Millers of Fiji Ltd Key STAKEHOLDERS Development Partners SPC, ACAIR, FAO, IFAD, FCLC Development Partners Ministry of Trade & Tourism, Ministry of Women, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Rural Development Human Resources Finance & Communication Economic Planning & Statistics Crop Research Crop Extension Animal Health & Production 10 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 MINISTRY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The 5 year and 20-year National Development Plan highlights the goal of the MoA: The strategies aligned to achieve the overall goal of the Ministry of Agriculture are as follows: “Every Fijian has access to adequate food of acceptable quality and nutritional value” “Competitive, sustainable and value-adding non-sugar agriculture” promoting food self- sufficiency and the production of those agricultural products where Fiji has a competitive advantage.
MoA Strategic Priorities Improve food and nutrition security for all Fijians Increase farmer household income for sustainable livelihoods Increase adoption of sustainable resource management and climate smart agriculture.

Establish and improve commercial agriculture Improve quality public sector performance and service delivery.
11 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 AGRICULTURE KEY NUMBERS MoA Budget Actual Expenditure $96.8 million $64,739.9 million Crop & Livestock GDP Crop & Livestock Production $630.2 million 327,824 mt AGRICULTURE (Crop & Livestock) TRADE Crop & Livestock Sector Export $234M Crop & Livestock Sector Domestic Import $766M 12 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 KEY CROP PERFORMANCE 2018-2019 Dalo Production: 51,509 mt Total Export: • Volume (5,126mt) • Value ($25m FJD) Top Export Destination: New Zealand (2,358mt) Ginger Production: 9,398 mt Total Export: • Volume (214 mt) • Value ($1.3m FJD) Top Export Destination: Australia (73 mt) Yaqona Production: 11,739 mt Total Export: • Volume (328 mt) • Value ($32.5 m FJD) Top Export Destination: United States (188mt) Cassava Production: 76,030 mt Total Export: • Volume (1,141mt) • Value ($2.2m FJD) Top Export Destination: New Zealand (651 mt) Pawpaw Production: 4,005 mt Total Export: • Volume (271 mt) • Value ($1.3m FJD) Top Export Destination: New Zealand (157 mt) Pineapple Production: 7,158 mt Total Export: • Volume (3mt) • Value ($0.007m FJD) Top Export Destination: New Zealand (2mt) 13 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 KEY LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE 2018 - 2019 Pig Production: 1,752 mt Export of Pork (Fresh/ Chilled/Frozen) • Volume (0.4mt) • Value ($0.004m FJD) Top Export Destination: Any other source Poultry Production: Broiler (34,188mt), Ducks (145mt), Eggs (11,329 mt) Export of Poultry Meat Chicken/Duck/Turkey/etc.
(Fresh/Chilled/Frozen) Volume (335mt) • Value ($2.4m FJD) Top Export Destination: Vanuatu (250mt) Beef Production: 2,749 mt Export of Beef (Fresh/ Chilled/Frozen): • Volume (2mt) • Value ($0.03m FJD) Top Export Destination: High Seas (1mt) Dairy Production: 10,767 mt Export of Milk • Volume (23mt) • Value ($0.2mFJD) Top Export Destination: Tonga (8 mt) Goat Production: 194 mt Export of Goat Meat • Volume • Value Top Export Destination: Sheep Production: 90 mt Export of Sheep Meat (Lamb & Mutton- Fresh/ Chilled/Frozen): • Volume (0.5 mt) • Value ($0.008m FJD) Top Export Destination: High Seas (0.5mt) 14 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 CROP EXTENSION DIVISION Farmers during a talanoa session in Tavua.
15 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 • • Crop Extension Divisions core responsibility is delivering quality and timely services to our customers.
To fully accomplish its role and responsibility, the Division focuses on: • • Improving Crop and Livestock Production; Increasing Seeds Supply and Planting Materials to farmers; Increase Mechanization through provision of farming machineries, cooler sets and sheds; Enhancing Food Security and Livelihoods through establishing backyard gardens; • Coordinating and facilitating trainings; • Improving Resilience and Risk Management through facilitating awareness and promo- tional activities; Sustainable Management of Natural Resources through sustainable land management prac- tices; Increasing Commercial Production through the Division Development Programmes and linking farmers to tourism industry.
• • Crop Extension Achievement Summary Outcome 1.1: Maintaining Food Security Through the Provision of Extension and Research Services Both for Livestock and Crops To wholly deliver on outcome 1.1, the Division: • farmers diversifying to Targets increasing farm production, facilitating promotion and awareness programs and constructing farm access; Facilitates and conducts distributions of seeds and planting materials to our farmers; farm machines and Planned to purchase implements, construct processing and drying sheds, procure tool sets and conduct farm visits; security awareness and promotional activities, establish school and backyard gardens.
food • Organized and conducted • • In this 2018-2019 financial year, the following was achieved: • Targeting farmers to increase production is facilitated through 12 approved programs; FSP, EPP, Pineapple, Vanilla, Potato, Agro Subsidy, Cocoa, Rice, Nadarivatu, Sigavou, SVDP and AES.

Through these 12 programmes, more than 720 farmers were diversified to boost production.
There were 42 number of promotion and awareness conducted for rice, Nadarivatu and AES farmers in the North, Central and Western Division.

Promotion and awareness conducted were establishment of rice demo plots, market linkages tour for farmers and staffs, demo for irrigation set ups, plastic house and construction • 16 of green houses for high value vegetable crops in Nadarivatu.
AES Program supported the establishment of 4 farmers field schools per geographic division HOTEC Show in Ba for farmers and Hoteliers, Nacula Mini Agriculture and Yam show and market linkages for Staffs and farmers.

Farmers were also assisted with land clearing.

There were 247 farmers assisted directly and indirectly with land clearing under Coconut and Nadarivatu programs.
Three (3) farm roads (3km) were completed for three (3) communities in Nadarivatu; Lewa, Nadala and Navai to assist with farm market access.

Total of 30 different commodities and planting materials were distributed to farmers over Fiji.
Commodities were kumala (sweet potato), vudi (plantain), banana, via, dalo ni tana, yams, tivoli, dalo tausala, dalo mix, coconut, cocoa, pineapple, potato, long bean, french bean, okra, maize, capsicum, chillies, chinese cabbage, english cabbage, egg plant, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, brocolli, cowpeas, rice, sweet corn and lettuce.

15 farm machines and implements purchased under the Rice program.

These items include mini rice harvesters, reapers and combined harvesters.
Five (5) processing sheds were constructed; Five (5) drying sheds were constructed; 10 tool sets were procured; 2047 farm visit were conducted.

93 awareness and promotional activities were facilitated and conducted; Rotuma Day, Cocoa Day, Coconut Day, Ra Mini Agriculture show, Market Day, Nadarivatu, field days, demo plots, road shows with other Ministries and field days.

These were organised for farmers to enhance farmers knowledge and skills; 200 number of school gardens were established.
Assisted given were seed pkts, tools and nursery establishments for boarding schools both primary and secondary; 100 backyards gardens established for peri urban areas.

Assistance given were seed packets and mini nurseries; 1167 farmers capacited through our different awareness programs.
• • • • • • • • • • • • Outcome 2.2: Maintain and Improve Linkages of Farmers to Markets Financial Services, and Tourism Sector To ensure that partnership between farmers and financial institutions are established, the Division lending organized 93 joint awareness with MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 institutions.

Empowering farmers on the different packages available to improve their farm systems.
Most of these were carried out during the Tikina and provincial meetings, farmers awareness and road shows held in Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Keiyasi, Ra, Rotuma and Yasawa.

In addition, two (2) Literacy training conducted for farmers.

Outcome 2.3: Ensuring Equal Access for Women and Youth in Agriculture To ensure equal access, women and youth were assisted through procurement of planting equipment’s and materials, training programs and forming of women and youth cluster groups.
Trainings and tours were organized by the Division, 177 women and youth were trained and also participated in the market linkage tours organised for women farmers in Fiji.

In addition, 11 staffs trained and were engaged in the market linkage tours.

Nine (9) procurements were done under Vanilla and Cottage.

Procurements of brush cutters, pruners, curing materials, nursery materials, drying sheds, tools and equipment’s.
77882 planting materials for voivoi, floriculture, vanilla and Masi were distrib- uted.

355 women farmers and youth were visited and were advised accordingly.

Furthermore, 73 clusters were also established.

Outcome 2.4: Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building of Farmers To alleviate poverty, the Division has organized and facilitated training targeting farmers not only to increasing production however to enhance farmers knowledge and skills.
In addition, meetings were organized to discuss on developing market access on agriculture products and upgrading of infrastructures.

In 2018-2019 financial year, 14 farmers training were conducted under the Coconut, Cocoa, Rice and Sigavou programmes for farmers to adopt new techniques on pruning, fertiliser application and new agronomic packages to improve production.

From the four mentioned (4) programmes, 840 farmers were trained.
Moreover, four (4) farmers field school were established, 49 agriculture projects were identified, approved and implemented and six (6) consultation meetings were organized.

Outcome 3.1: Reduction of Disaster Risks and Strengthen Preparedness Particular activities were implemented ensuring that resilience and risk management and staffs’ capacity of responding to disaster are improved.
In 2018- 2019: • • • • • 15 indigenous crops were established; 23 awareness were conducted on disaster response and preparedness; 37 integrated programs with relevant trainings to prepare and adapt to Climate Change; 113 food security awareness and promotional activities conducted; Seven (7) commodity trainings conducted under SVIDP, Rice, Cocoa, Coconut, Nadarivatu, Sigavou, Rotuma programmes.
Outcome 3.3: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Through Sustainable Land Management Practices The following activities were successfully imple- mented in 2018-2019 financial year: • 202 farm plans were compiled and submitted to TLTB, FDB and Land Bank; Two (2) in-house trainings conducted for technical staffs in Northern and Central Division; 125.67 ha developed under Flat Land Development Programs; Five (5) monitoring reports compiled and submitted; 257 farmers visited and advised.
• • • • increase, Outcome 4.1: Increasing Commercial Production To wholly ensure that the number of commercial productions do the Division has coordinated 102 farmers linked to the tourism industry, assisted 51 farmers under the Dalo Development Program, 483 farmers under the Ginger Development Program, 85 farmers under the Yaqona Development Program, 251 farms were visited and farmers were advised accordingly and four (4) monitoring reports were compiled and submitted.
farmers meeting were organized and Furthermore, to maintain commodity protocols for BQA and Non-BQA commodities: 156 farmers were capacited; • 12 • conducted; 10 field monitoring were conducted; Seven (7) staffs were recruited under BQA; 731 farms were visited and were advised accordingly.
• • • Outcome 5.2: Strengthen Institutional Linkages and Quality Data Collection is Ensuring that staffs data collection ability improved, staff training was conducted and 20 locality officers went to attend a training in China on Rice.

To ensure that quality of data is captured, 10 equipment were procured.
17 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Visual Impairment Does Little to Deter Rukuruku Farmer Success Story “I’m able to manage my way because I’ve created a mental image of the location of my farm, aided by small pegs I’ve used as markings,” he says with a smile.

His sense of touch became his sight as he is able to differentiate and distinguish weeds from yaqona and dalo plants, “It’s something I’ve been doing for years.
So I use my hand to feel the plants, once I touch it and it’s not a crop, I know the feeling, so I remove it.” His slim frame tells the tale of a man who has been through a lot but his attitude and character reflect that the father of three is far from over as he does not show any signs of slowing down or giving up.
His life has come full circle as he is supported by his wife who hails from Driti Village in Dawasamu and their three children, something everyone thought Vesikalou would never have – a family of his own.

“I gathered the courage to seek my wife’s hand in marriage and I found happiness, despite my condition, she accepted my heartfelt request with sincerity,” he said.
“The birth of our children was the best thing that has happened to me and although I haven’t seen the faces of my wife and children, the love that we share was sufficient for me to put an identity to their voices.” He has continuously defied the odds and tirelessly works to provide for his family from farming; “From the farm revenue, I managed to build a house for my family in the village with a portion used for my children’s tuition and other needs,” he said.
“At first I went through challenges in the search for my eldest’s tuition and with my condition, I still went knocking on doors, I faced disappointment and fortunately other doors opened enabling my son to continue his education, with the assistance of good-hearted friends,” he said.

“It was probably because of my condition that I was turned away but that feeling of rejection gave me strength and confidence to keep moving and it all went away after my son successfully enlisted in the army.
A proud moment for both father and son.

them He has managed to put all his children through their education and has molded into strong-willed individuals just like him, a reflection of which can be said to be his unorthodox farmhouse which surprisingly enough is not a small corrugated iron house nor is it a tent but is a huge rock, one that he makes himself comfortable underneath whenever he decides to take a breather.
Through the Ministry of Agriculture’s outreach in 2017, he became a member of the cluster group in Rukuruku where the burden of shouldering his farm works alone was shared.

Agriculture Assistant Ovalau Losana Nakato said the group was assisted through the Dalo and Yaqona Development Programs and received 2,200 dalo tausala suckers and 2,600 yaqona planting materials in 2017.
As a vessel of change, Eremasi encourages people with special needs or in a similar situation to not look down on themselves; “If something is wrong with a part of you, don’t be disheartened as you still can accomplish a lot of things, you are still useful and can achieve far better than abled people could if you believe in yourself.

Eremasi on his farm with his aiding stick.


Eremasi Vesikalou wasn’t a person to let anything slow him down, be it the arduous rural surroundings he was raised in or the eyes that couldn’t guide him on his life’s journey.

Rather than have self-pity for what was dealt with him, the man from Rukuruku Village on Ovalau made the best of what he had.

Stricken with a condition that slowly led to him fully losing his eyesight, he overcame overwhelming odds to become the successful farmer that he is today.
Though he had envisioned himself as an engineer while a student at Delana Junior Secondary School back in 1976, this was not to be, as, at the age of 15, his eyesight began deteriorating and could not be healed through either conventional or herbal medicine.
He recalls having to return to his village after learning of his fate; “It started with a slight headache which continued to become severe and soon after my sight was affected leaving me totally blind, I was devastated, I had to return to the village and because of my condition, I knew I couldn’t do much.
“My condition left me helpless, I depended on people and was often the center of mockery, all this led to my urgency to start something for myself and I knew that I had to turn to the land and just farm,” he said.

Despite his shortcomings, the now 57-year-old Lomaiviti man has made a life for himself through farming and is an active farmer, living life the same way an able-bodied person would; Vesikalou made use of his mataqali’s land and with the assistance of his cousins, he ventured into yaqona farming.
A few years down the line, as a young man, Eremasi immersed himself in his yaqona farming and through its harvest, became one of the only youths at the time to build his own home.

Even in his condition, Eremasi has been farming for more than 20 years now, expanding from yaqona to dalo farming and has become accustomed and attuned to his situation and physical surroundings that he is able to travel to his farm and work alone.

“I use my stick and walk my way slowly to this place.
It is my farm, so I know it, I don’t require much assistance to get here anymore.” 18 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights SLM Farmer of the Year - Parma Nand (1st from left), Assistant Minister for Agriculture - Hon.

Jale Sigara, DS AD - Mr. Jone Sovalawa and Director Research - Dr. Apaitia Macanawai during the 2019 Agriculture Show in Valelevu.

Ministry staff with farmers of Rewa at the Spice Farm in Navua.

Backyard gardening intiative launched in Tavua.


Agriculture technical officers who were part of the Irrigation Training held at Koronivia Research Station.

Fieldman Ilaisa Gonebure (right) assisting a cocoa farmer in Tailevu, drying cocoa seeds.

Coconut Day Celebrations in Taveuni.
19 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION DIVISION Poultry farm at Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute 20 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Animal Health and Production Division Achieve- ment Summary to farmers, Outcome 1.1: Maintaining Food Security Through the Provision of Extension and Research Services Both for Livestock and Crops To utterly deliver on outcome 1.1, the Division targets to provide technology advancement, improved genetics research at national level, manage pest and diseases, increase supply of seeds and planting increase mechanization, materials develop livestock biotechnology, enhance food security and livelihoods and strengthen agriculture research services.
In this financial year, the Division has achieved: • 7 calf rearing; senepol breed, brownswiss breed, Pig f1 distb, pig indigenous, poultry f1 distb, poultry local; 200 nucleus genetic improved at research; 200 queen bees genetic improved at research; • • • Conducted 68 farm disease surveys; • Conducted 1021 TB test and 911 Brucellosis test on farms; • Conducted 40,520 TB test and 27,055 Brucello- • • sis test on animals; Four (4) awareness programs organized; 11,700 of animal drugs were sold on managing diseases; • Received 4,600 clinical cases; • • • Three (3) pounds were constructed; Six (6) pounds were maintained; 102 stray animals’ awareness program were or- ganized and conducted; 500kg of seeds distributed; Two (2) breeding plan developed; Two (2) nucleus herd developed for Beef and Dairy on government stations; Seven (7) promotional activities organized; Three (3) Research Unit facilitated for upgrade; Seven (7) feed supplements distributed; 382 of Quality Feed, Pasture Soil Sample Tested; Two (2) pasture and feed survey report formu- lated; • • • • • • • • • One (1) quality manual produced.
Outcome 2.3: Ensuring Equal Access for Women and Youth in Agriculture To make certain equal access, women and youth are provided with trainings to enhance their knowledge on farming.

The Division has facilitated 60 trainings for our women and youth.

Identified 89 projects; • • Organized 14 consultation develop market ac- cess on agriculture products and upgrading in- frastructure; • Conducted one (1) awareness programs to our extension staffs in rural and maritime areas on new introduced technologies.
Outcome 3.1: Reduction of Disaster Risks and Strengthen Preparedness Particular activities were accomplished ensuring that staffs’ capacity of responding to disaster are enhanced: • Seven (7) commodity trainings were organized and completed; Three (3) trainings on laboratory, dairy hygiene and testing (TB and Brucellosis) were conduct- ed; 3,420 poultry local stock were supplied; 244 pigs were supplied; Two (2) innovations were facilitated to improve research station facilities in relevance to im- provement in genetics, nutritional status and extreme weather conditions.
• • • • Outcome 4.1: Increasing Commercial Production Similar to Crop and Livestock Division, Animal Health and Production Division focuses on ensuring that the number of commercial productions do increase.
In this 2018-2019 financial year, the Division has: • Assisted 22 beef farmers on pastures and fencing materials; • Assisted 31 commercial farms on provision of infrastructure, pasture, fencing and genetic materials; Three (3) cluster were assisted with materials; • • Assisted 11 sheep farms assisted on pasture development, fencing, water supply and shed upgrading; • One (1) sheep consultancy was organized; • One (1) new cluster was formed; • One (1) slaughter house was constructed; • • One (1) improvement of farm machineries and 500 hives supplied to farmers; milk cartage through FCDCL.
Outcome 5.1: Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advice and Secretariat Support.

The Division in this financial year has developed four (4) Memorandum of Understandings (MoU’s) with relevant stakeholders.

Outcome 2.4: Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building of Farmers To eradicate poverty, the Division provides basic services to rural and maritime areas and trainings to our farmers to help boost agriculture production.
In this year 2018-2019, the Division has: • Conducted 520 trainings to our farmers; • Visited 8,500 farmers for consultation; Outcome 5.2: Strengthen Institutional Linkages and Quality Data Collection.

Similar to Crop and Livestock Division, to ensure that Animal Health and Production officers data (7) collection proficiency trainings were organized, 44 monitoring reports were submitted and 15 equipment were procured in this financial year.
is enhanced, seven 21 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Success Story It’s Dairy for Titilia Through trainings conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and consultation with stakeholders and other experienced farmers, the couple soon reaped the rewards of their labour.

She has consistently supplied approximately 25 liters of milk per day and earns a decent living from the dairy farm to support her family.
“There have been a lot of changes in the dairy industry as compared to the past because the Government has committed itself to helping farmers and making their work easier like constructing farm access roads and other agricultural developments, which is good for us,” said Titilia.

She also acknowledged Government’s exhaustive effort to assist and support farmers in the dairy industry in order to achieve its potential, highlighting the onus was also on farmers to do their part for the industry’s benefit.
“It is our responsibility, as farmers to look after our animals, we should ensure they are secured in the fence and have the frequent Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) and Brucellosis tests done in order to prevent animals from catching these diseases,” she said.

Her only wish was for more farmers to show interest in the dairy industry as it could be a lucrative venture if one remained committed to it.
She has optimistic plans for the future, plans which involve a fully automated milking system to ease her burden and she hasn’t shown any signs of giving up on her goal.

“We have a 5-year development plan to fully develop this farm to a level that we have envisioned, to have proper milking sheds, to have more calves and milking cows, to secure fully automatic milking machines and in the long term a vehicle to assist transport our milk to chilling centers,” she said.
Her advice, work smart and work together; “I would like to advise dairy farmers and other farmers who are interested in the dairy industry to work smartly and closely with each other, do things communally as this is our strength and most importantly to take heed of technical advice given by the Ministry of Agriculture, this will only boost and enhance the dairy industry for everyone.” Such is the life and drive of Titilia Bolakoro, dedication of this like will ensure the dairy industry is headed in the right direction.
Titilia Bolakoro controlling the calf into the shed at her farm.

Not everyone wakes up before the rooster crows and heads straight out to the farm before the crack of dawn.

To even awake in the early hours of the morning is a huge ask in itself but that is exactly the type of dedication and commitment that Titilia Bolakoro has shown for past two decades on her dairy farm.
Rain, hail or shine, regardless of the weather, she is out on her dairy farm every morning, something which has become second nature to her.

The 54-year-old Naluwai native was born and raised on a dairy farm, and after 20 years of marriage in Naocosaqa settlement in Nabaitavo, Naitasiri she continues to ply her trade in the same industry upon which she was reared from.
“I was born and brought up in a dairy farm back at Naluwai, so dairy farming was nothing new to me when I decided to become a full time dairy farmer and after getting married, I took control of my husband’s farm and helped him in his farming,” she said.

“My husband’s family have been dairy farmers since the 50’s and they’ve come a long way since then, I just stepped in and helped to revive the farms production level.
After marrying in 1997, the couple concentrated efforts in raising the standard of their farm by applying differing techniques with mixed results.

22 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights Handing over of F1 Sheep Cross breed by the Hon.

Dr. Mahendra Reddy and the Ministry staff to farmers in the West.

A success farmer Rajesh Sami at his poultry farm in Savusavu.

Assistant Minister - Hon.

Viam Pillay (right) during his tour to India.


Bee hives in Kanakana village, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove.

Assistant Minister - Hon.

Viam Pillay with farmers in Sigatoka during his tour to the West.

23 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 AGRICULTURE RESEARCH DIVISION Tissue Culture Lab at Koronivia Research Station 24 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 The Division enthusiastically continues to implement activities that will ensure agriculture growth.
It aims: • To conduct and foster applied and adaptive crop research that will enhance food and income security; To facilitate scientific, technical and professional support services for agriculture development; To provide analytical, diagnostic and regulatory services; • • • Develop products and value adding to enhance • • income security; To promote sustainable land use practices with major emphasis on land conservation and land degradation issues; Focused through five major disciplines including Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Protection, Analytical Chemistry Land Use.
Agriculture Research Division Achievements Summary: Outcome 1.1: Maintaining Food Security Through the Provision of Extension and Research Services Both for Livestock and Crops To maintain food security, the Division: • Released two (2) new dalo varieties tolerant to taro leaf blight (TLB) and a new kumala variety for commercial cultivation; Facilitated 14 adoptable, cost-effective and affordable technology; Supplied 97,455kg of seeds; • • Developed one (1) mechanized technology; • Conducted 23 awareness program with NGOs • on Food Security and Livelihood; • Organized eight (8) awareness program in pro- moting healthy food in combating NCD’s; Planted 1200 fruit trees; Purchased 10 new lab equipment’s; • • • Conducted 20,000 tests; • Conducted 300 tests and submitted test reports as per client’s request; 37 best farm practices researched; Facilitated 10 quality programs (proficiency test); 12 infrastructures were enhanced; 12 orchards were successfully established.
• • • • Outcome 2.1: Support Agriculture Growth through Implementation of Commodity and In- dustry Program To support agriculture growth, the Division aims at strengthening its existing BQAs and Commodity Protocols.

In this financial year, the Division con- ducted four (4) quarterly trainings on BQA.

Outcome 2.3: Ensuring Equal Access for Women and Youth in Agriculture.
To ensure that both women and youth have equal access to agriculture, the Division successfully facilitated trainings and (6) awareness consultations.

six Outcome 2.4: Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building of Farmers The Division organized capacity building trainings to our farmers not only aimed at helping boost agricultural production however to also minimize poverty.

This 2018-2019 financial year, the Division has successfully organized and facilitated 14 farmers training.
Furthermore, the Division pursues to improve provision of basic services to rural and maritime areas through organizing and facilitating awareness to extension staff in rural and maritime on new farming technologies.

This financial year, the Division successfully conducted four (4) awareness consultations on new farming technologies to our extension officers in rural and maritime areas.
Outcome 4.1: Increasing Commercial Production The Division aims at increasing commercial production development of value-added product.

This financial year, the Division has efficaciously developed seven (7) value added product.

Outcome 5.1: Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advice and Secretariat Support The Division in this financial year has developed one (1) Memorandum of Understandings (MoU’s) with relevant stakeholders, issued 50 research publication and 13 staff capacitated.
25 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights Launching of Capsicum variety - Golden Bell Research and Extension officers with SAO Cakaudrove (middle) during the PHC at Seaqaqa Research Station Hon.

Dr Mahendra Reddy with the Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Development Mr. Jone Sovalawa at Naduruloulou Research Station.

Launching of 2 new rice variety, Sitara and Cagivou.
Minister visits Tissue Culture lab in Koronivia DSAD (left) with Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) Mr Dominick during the plant- ing of the Guava Orchard.
26 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 LAND RESOURCE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Vetiver Hedgerow planting by LRPD Staff 27 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 The Land Use Section is responsible for and committed to the implementation of the LAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ACT (LCIA) for the conservation and improvement of Fiji’s land resources to ensure sustainable socio-economic and environmental development and management.
The section provides scientific, technical, research and advisory services to: • Ensure that the according to its capabilities.

Implement Conservation and Improvement Act of 1953.

• Conducts applied research, development, and is sustainably used the provisions of the Land land • 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) validation of farming systems packages.

• Develop & disseminates appropriate sustainable 9) land management technologies.
• Develop and manage land based biophysical data including soil and land use capability & classification through the Geographical Information Systems tools.

• Consolidates land resources information and its management.

• Build capacity and mainstreaming of Sustainable Land Management in Fiji 10) 11) 12) 13) • Combat land degradation in Fiji through the 14) promotion of SLM • Disseminate information on sustainable land management.
• Regional and international collaborations, 15) 16) 17) 18) • cooperation and consultations Ensuring good agricultural land use practices for sustainable agricultural production • Developing effective soil conservation practices to enhance the retention of soil fertility for sustained agricultural production Initiating Sustainable practices for climate change adaptation in Fiji Land Management • LAND RESOURCE PLANNING DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY: Outcome 1.1: Maintaining Food Security Through the Provision of Extension and Research Services Both for Livestock and Crops The Division have successfully: • Conducted nine (9) awareness program - Nai- masimasi, Nuku, Naqesa village in Tikina Nuku, Serua, Namalata, Naivakacau, Dama, Labasa.
And Vunavutu village, Sigatoka; Facilitated awareness activities with NGOs on food security and climate change adaptation and resilience problems in the following as- pects: • 1) CB2/CCD, UNCCD - Rio Conventions Focal Point Technical Officers Workshop, AAD Project Workshop, Fiji Geospatial Council Workshop (SOPAC), 28 Regional Geospatial Conference – USP, REDD+ Project - Draubuta, Navosa - Forestry Rescue project - IAS/USP Agroforestry Project - PIAF/SPC ITTO - Forestry International Symposium of Tropical Fruits - Nadi Continuation of our engagement with the REDD+ Project – actively involved in the finalization of the emission reduction program (ERP) (forest carbon enhancement in communities & agroforestry) Join Agricultural land field verification with the Ministry of Lands in Tavua & Ba Collaboration with Ministry of Lands on the Planning Workshop for Common Sensing Project REDD + Emission Reduction Program Workshop at Warwick, Sigatoka Great Sea Reef Concept Development Planning Workshop at the REDD + Gender Action Plan Workshop Signing of Agroforestry & Carbon Emission – ACIAR Project SEEP Partners GO2 + Consultation workshop at Nadave – Presentation to Matani Tikina for Naitasiri, Ra, Bua and Nailaga Attending Seminar on Crop Modelling at USP Meeting with CB2/CCD Project staff, AAD project coordinator for the Work plan on UNCCD Day.
Attending the Regional Consultative Workshop on Joint Work on Agriculture.

23 - 25 July 2019.

Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi.

Meeting organizes by FAO and attended by all members of Agriculture Ministry in the Pacific.

SEED FOR LIFE Project with SPC, Community awareness & introduction of Mucuna beans training at Matawailevu Village, Nalawa Tikina, Ra Province • • Facilitated three (3) promotion and awareness activity at the Northern Division on promoting local healthy food in combating NCDs.
1635 - Potted caliandra, Poting of citrus seed- ling at KRS nursery; • Maintenance of NFT’s Seed Bank at Nadurulou- lou Research Station - 1000 vetiver seedling was potted; • • Re-printing of 3 sets of brochures and 2 sets of leaflets, tote bags, 2 sets of stickers and 1 book- let for promotional activities; Established 13 school gardens - Suva Gram- mar School, Nuku Secondary School Saint Jo- seph School, Queen Victoria School, Lagalaga School, Nadogo Secondary School, Banikea MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 School, Lautoka Special School and Koro High School, Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute, Ko- ronivia and Lautoka Special School and Farmers Field School Demonstration Plot at Vatukaloko, Ra – Pre-Resilient Fiji Strengthen Climate Resil- ience of Communities for Food and Nutrition Security Project; Launched of the Backyard Gardening Program in Tavua with the distribution of packages to 30 household from Tavua and 30 household from Ba.
• Outcome 2.1: Support Agriculture Growth through Implementation of Commodity and In- dustry Program To support agriculture growth, the Division efficaciously conducted eight (8) collaboration - Signing of the National Fire Management Strategy Declaration by Permanent Secretary Agriculture & Permanent Secretary Forestry for Awareness Billboard Erection, ACIAR Project MOU vetting with SG’s office – Agroforestry on Slope Land in Fiji Project, Signing of the R2R Project Funding with UNDP & SPC.
Outcome 2.4: Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building of Farmers The Ministry through the Land-Use Planning and Resource Division effectively implemented the following: • Conducted SLM Community awareness Training in Gau Island working in collaboration with Ministry of Forest; • Conducted community awareness training on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) training for all villages within the Tikina Lovoni, Ovalau; 13 SLM Community Awareness facilitated with Extension Division; Two (2) Forest and Rural Fire Management Awareness; • • • Conducted four (4) hands-on trainings & awareness on establishment of nursery, management & maintenance; SLM Awareness Traiining at Navunimono Village – Verata Tailevu; • • Nursery hands on Training at Naiburebure ni Cagi in Navovo, Sigatoka • Declaration being sign by 2 PS for erection of Awareness Billboards on 11 sites for the Rural Fire Management Awareness Billboard in Viti Levu; Two (2) SLM awareness training at Gau for 3 Tikina; Land Use Training at Naqelewai Village for Nabobuco District; • • SLM information Outcome 3.1: Reduction of Disaster Risks and Strengthen Preparedness Particular activities were accomplished ensuring that staffs’ capacity of responding to disaster are enhanced: • Consultation with Community - Vunavutu village, Volivoli village.
Biaugunu village; • Briefing and Preparation for Nasalia Land Assessment and promoting Land Care Concept in Nasalia, Naitasiri; SLM and conservation farm demo at Naqaravutu, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove; • • improving • Continuation of conservation practices at Navurevure Demo Plots with 2000 pineapples as hedgerows, 2000 dalo tops planted intercropping and 300 meters of Vetiver planted; Establishment of plot in Nawaqabena, Naitasiri with 2000 Pineapples, 200 meters vetiver hedges and 1000 Dalo planting being intercropped with Pineapple; Field School Demonstration plot at Vatukaloka Secondary School in Rakiraki, Ra; • Completion of the Nauvurevure Demonstration the • plot, Naitasiri Province Outcome 3.2: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources through Effective Land Use, Planning and Sustainable Land Management Technology The following was successfully implemented and achieved: • Four (4) Biophysical Survey was conducted - Tikina Nuku Biophysical Survey, Tikina Namalata (3 villages – Matacaucau, Namalata, Naivakacau), Tikina Dama, Bua and Moala Island Biophysical Survey, Lau.
Continuation of digitization work for Moala Island Field Data – on Soils and LUC; • Better utilization of land survey for Mataqali • • • Nadanuya of Naivurevuire, Naitasiri; 158 thematic, LUC and Soil maps produced to assist farmers and stakeholders in planning; 30 potential available identified commodities fit; Scanning/ Geo referencing/ Digitising of Lau Group Tracing; land for • Consultation meeting with James Baringeron from the Soil Research Institute, New Zealand on the review of Fiji soils data; • Rotuma soil data reviewed; • Purchasing two (2) Trimble GPS with software was downloaded; • Vegetable Training at Nabawaqa Village for • One (1) Arc GIS licence was purchased and • Nadrau District; SLM awareness training at Nauluvatu village, Nakelo, Tailevu; • REACH Lau Mission Tour – Dissemination of downloaded; • One (1) AO size plotter printing machine • 52inch Monitor purchased & installed for GIS Mapping services (1 per office) 29 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Central Division, 8 Lots for Northern Division; • Conducting Land Use Capability Survey at Welagi village, Taveuni; • Meeting with FAO Pro-resilient project coordinator & Field trip to Namena demo plot; to Combat • Commemorating World Day • Desertification Day was held at Labasa; Establishment of Agroforestry plot in Koro Island in corporation with SLM model farm; • One (1) site identified at Navuso; • Establishing Agroforestry Plot at Dobuilevu Research Station; • Qalewaqa agroforestry-based system – 500 pineapple plantlets as hedgerows, 2 acres of pine trees, 2 acres of land clearing for vegetable and root crops • Continous of work at the Dobuilevu research Station; • Planting of Fruit trees and fencing of the whole sites • Calliandra hedges are now at Naduruloulou where Kava & Dalo shade planting will be experimented; Established an Agroforestry plot in Tiliva, Tikina of Bua, Bua Province.
ready • • Planting 500m vetiver hedge rows beside Naveicovatu village,Wainibuka, Tailevu; • Planting indigenous fruit trees- 50 kavika, 50 jackfruits, & Iviasreparianzone in Naveicovatu, Suenivillage, Wairiki.Cakaudrove ivi plants,500m vetiver grass planted along the river banks, Vitina, Dogotuki, Macuata-50 ivi plants, 800m vetiver grass, Coqeloa, Nadogo, Macuata - 200m vetiver grass; - 50 • Discussions and site inspection with Korotari Advisory counsellor for riverbank stabilization; • Meeting with WWF on River bank Stabilisation • at Kadavu; Establishment of nursery for Mr. Manueli Seru, Nabasovi, Koro, Lomaiviti; • Maintenance of SLM demo farm at Vuaki village, Nacula Yasawa Outcome 5.1: Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advice and Secretariat Support The Division successfully: • Compiled brief to PSA on Memorandum of Agreement between MOA and Ministry of Waterways and Environment; • Compilation and brief submission on cabinet paper for the changing of Waterways name.
• • • • • Three (3) GIS Laptops purchased for data entry during field verification (1 per office) Establishing Land Care Groups for Lovu village/ Vadravadra village, Gau,Lomaiviti; Finalizing Land Degradation Neutrality Workshop report, SKYPE with Director LRD/SPC and Global Mechanism Coordinator through UNCCD office in Bonn, Germany on Fijis engagement on LDN Targeting setting; Submission of draft LDN intern letter to LRD/ SPC for further comment; Emission Reduction Project Compilation under RED+(Tanoa International Hotel Nadi); • Consultation meeting and multi stakeholder workshop with Common Sensing Project on Adapting to Vulnerabilities in Fiji at GPH; • Meeting with Mr Adam Formica the Senior Modeler for Common Sensing Project for the setting up of field visits to the farms and mills for information/data gathering to build appropriate agricultural models as part of the Common Sensing project; • Consultation with Statistics Section and with Senior Modeller for Common Sensing Project on the availability of data; • Consultation with Fiji Crop & Livestock Council and with Senior Modeller from Common Sensing Project on the availability of data for the project; • Consultation with 7 Mataqali land for Agriculture • Development; Yavusa Nadanuya of Naivurevure Village in Naitasiri- 4 Mataqali; • Continuous email correspondence on UNCCD • • • matters; Implementation of CB2/CCD projects under Ministry of Environment with UNCCD liaison officer; Finalization of NAP consultant ToR and for NAP Advertisement notice.
Expecting consultant Recruitment in June; Endorsement of Work Plan for CB2/CCD Project by the Project Board; • Received an invitation for the UNNCD COP 14 • participation; Participation in the Hand on Training for the Carbon Emission calculation in Agriculture Sector with Ministry of Economy; • Consultation meeting with Principal – Methodist Lay Training Centre, Davuilevu; • Brief DR for the 7 Vacant Agriculture Lots for 30 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights AA Farm Management (North) Niraj Lal during a refresher training.
Women of Taveuni undergoing Floriculture training conducted by the Farm Management and Land Use Section of the Ministry.

Farm Management Training in Waidracia.

Farmer training in Kadavu Minister with farmers in Nasealevu during his two days visit to North.
31 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 ECONOMIC PLANNING & STATISTICS DIVISION Fiji and China sign MoU on Agricultural Cooperation 32 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 In alignment with the Annual Costed Operational Plan (COP), the Division focuses on: • Setting vision and direction for the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agriculture Sector in Fiji; Establish and enhance effective and sustainable linkages with external organisations including global donor agencies at bilateral and multilateral levels; • • Collate, compile and analyse agricultural statistics to assist in the formulation of policies; • Analyse policy options and assessing its impact on the agriculture sector; trainings were conducted to the Ministry staff as well as other stakeholders.
Outcome 4.1: Increasing Commercial Production The Division aims to support smallholder farmers to take advantage of and respond to the strong in-country demand for domestically produced agricultural products and develop farming as a business.

In achieving public sector capacity to increase commercial production, 330 farmers were trained and 3 private sector exchange meetings were conducted in this financial year.
• Assist in the identification, preparation, monitoring and evaluation of all agricultural projects in Fiji; • Coordinate the Ministry’s annual budget emphasise on the capital expenditure on quarterly basis; • Coordinate and facilitate training on marketing, project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and report writing ECONOMIC PLANNING AND STATISTICS ACHIEVEMENT SUMMARY Outcome 2.1: Support Agriculture Growth Through Implementation of Commodity and Industry Program • In achieving Quick Economic Recovery through the Implementation of Demand Driven Approach and Other Commodity Projects, the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented the following sector driven strategies; • For compliance of food standards for all commodities, two (2) Codex meetings were attended; Four (4) quarterly Duty Concession Reports were submitted; To increase commercial production, one (1) commodity industry plan was launched; • • • One (1) local market promotion was done through the Hotel and Tourism Exhibition Show.
• Outcome 2.4: Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building of Farmers In achieving public sector capacity to support agribusiness and increase commercial production, the Ministry through the Economic Planning and Statistics Division has achieved the following; • Eight (8) staff recruited to enhance Ministry capacity to promote private sector agribusiness; For capacity building on agribusiness development, three (3) value chain training and • Outcome 5.1: Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advice and Secretariat Support.
The Division is responsible for coordinating and formulating agriculture policies, strategies and programmes for the sustainable development of Fiji’s agriculture sector.
The following was achieved in this 2018-2019 financial year: • • 2 Research council meetings were conducted; The Ministry signed 4 bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Government of Australia, Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions, and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; 12 Cabinet Papers were submitted and Cabinet decisions implemented.
Outcome 5.2: Strengthen Institutional Linkages and Quality Data Collection • To develop and improve Quality Agricultural Statistics System and Strengthen Institutional Linkages, the Ministry achieved the following; For preparation for 2019 Agriculture Census, 4 Technical Working Group (TWG) and 2 National Steering Committee (NSC) Meeting were held; • Completed Demarcation of Census Enumerator • Boundaries; For compilation of Crop & Livestock Production & Trade data, 2018 Production and Trade report was produced together with crop & livestock brochures and pamphlets; • Market Survey CAPI Trial was completed.
In addition, through the Economic Planning & Statistics Division, the Ministry verified 179 Demand Driven Approach Projects (DDA) and coordinated 4 Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting with National Steering Committee (NSC) Meeting for approval of the identified potential projects.
33 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights Fiji and China Sign MoU on Agricultural Cooperation Agricultural cooperation between the Republic of Fiji and the People’s Republic of China will now be strengthened following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The MoU on Strengthening Agricultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Fiji was recently signed by His Excellency Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Changfu and Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon.

Dr. Mahendra Reddy in Nadi.

Hon.


Reddy shared Fiji and China’s successful history of cooperation in the agriculture sector and highlighted the MoU would enhance connection to the Chinese market.

“Fiji has now decided to let market demand drive production, but before that, we need to develop the infrastructure; support industries so that we can modernize agriculture and get the supply side ready to respond to demand signals,” said Hon.

Dr Reddy.
Dr Reddy.

“Here we need your support to assist us build this foundation for the production and supply side.

While we are lagging behind in the introduction of machinery and infrastructure support, we are also challenged by forces of natural disasters and the outbreak of pests and diseases for both the crop and livestock sectors.

Hon.

Reddy said these issues needed to be addressed before market signals were sent to derive production and supply.
“It’s then, that opening up of your market for us and assisting us in reaching it will really boost our agriculture sector growth and development,” he said.

The joint agreement is earmarked to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries and enhance agricultural cooperation between Fiji and China on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
The MoU allows for enhanced exchanges in research information and agricultural policies and active promotion of the cooperation and exchanges between research institutes and personnel from both countries, encouraging exchange visits of sci-tech personnel and joint researchers.

Areas of bilateral cooperation in agricultural trade and investment cooperation and other agricultural cooperation between the two Governments will also be promoted as part of the MoU.
Pacific Island Agriculture Ministers with His Excellency Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Changfu during the meeting 34 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights 1st SDP Workshop China Ambassador to Fiji courtesy visit 42nd Session Codex Commission- Geneva, Switzerland.

Agriculture Show at Valelevu ground.

SDP Workshop at Nadi.

FAPP Training at Nadave.


35 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 HUMAN RESOURCES, FINANCE & INFORMATION 36 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 HUMAN RESOURCES FINANCE & INFORMATION 1.

Staff Establishments The MoA employed a total of 705 staff; 450 established staffs and 255 general wage earners.
Figure 2: Number of Staffs by Division Figure 1: Staff Ratio Per Establishment Establised staff GWE to services telecommunication rural areas, 7 agriculture stations accessed to linked telecommunication, govnet and to intranet.

This allowed the staff for easy access to accurate, timely and useful information.

Information And Communication 2.

Services The Information and Communication Unit has provided exclusive media coverage on agriculture promotion activities.
This year, 4 quarterly reports on impact of agricultural promotion activities and 485 publications including press releases and major highlights of significant events were released to enhance the Ministry’s corporate image.

The Ministry hosted 1 Agriculture Show in the Central Division.

4.

Assets Management For the construction and maintenance of office and quarters, the Ministry constructed 2 new offices and repaired 12 offices and quarters.

5.
5.

Capacity Building To improve productivity & performance of staff, a total of 31 trainings were conducted contributing to the development and achievement of the desired outcome of the Ministry.

This included 15 local trainings and 16 overseas trainings to enhance and develop the required skills for the staff.

3.

Information And Technology Services through For increased coverage 37 MoA Annual Report 1st August 2018 - 31st July 2019 Divisional Highlights Health Checks coducted at HR for Ministry staff.
Media coverage for Ministerial Tours.

Agriculture Show promotions and logistic preparations.

Hon.

Dr. Mahendra Reddy officially handing over a VCO machine to representatives of Duavata Women’s Group at Mua Research Station.

Hon.

Dr. Mahendra Reddy and senior officials with Commissioner Central (left) cutting the cake during Cocoa Day celebration in Korovou.

Hon.

Dr. Mahendra Reddy presenting the 34th APRC Report at the 41st FAO Conference in Rome, Italy.
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