[Source: Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources/ Facebook]

The Agriculture Ministry is accelerating climate-smart agriculture and regional resilience through Juncao Technology.

The regional workshop on Juncao Industry Development opened in Nadi today, outlined solutions for poverty, climate change, infrastructure resilience and sustainable development.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources and Acting Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Filimoni Vosarogo described Juncao Technology as a model that strengthens rural livelihoods, boosts food security and equips communities to withstand climate shocks.

Vosarogo said Fiji was part of a global network applying Juncao Technology in over 100 countries.

[Source: Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources/ Facebook]

The initiative has expanded from Papua New Guinea to Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia, showing the Pacific’s commitment to tech-driven agriculture.

Since 2014, Fiji’s Juncao Technology Demonstration Centre at Legalega Research Station has introduced 11 mushroom species and two Giant Juncao Grass varieties.

Early phases focused on training farmers and government officers, while current efforts aim to commercialise production, improve livestock feed, empower women and youth and restore soil.

Vosarogo said over 3 million Juncao grass cuttings have reached 2,500 farmers with women making up 34 per cent of beneficiaries.

[Source: Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources/ Facebook]

The program has trained 2,800 technicians and provided hands-on experience to more than 3,000 students.

Six mushroom production bases now operate in the Central and Western Division.

The Minister added that Juncao Technology reduces Fiji’s $0.9 million mushroom imports, strengthens food system resilience, lowers carbon emissions and complements traditional farming.

He acknowledged China’s technical support and explained the importance of regional partnership.

The workshop drew participants from across the Pacific, including UN agencies, government officials, technical experts, farmers and stakeholders.

It also signals strong regional commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.

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