At least ninety participants from thirty countries are currently attending the Asia and the Pacific Commission on Agricultural Statistics conference in Nadi.
While opening the conference today, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya says that agriculture plays a vital role in the development of many Pacific countries.
Koya says agriculture is also the main source of livelihood for many in the Pacific.
“In the Pacific, around three quarter of the population live in the rural areas and depend on Agriculture and fisheries for survival.”
He also says the four days conference will be centered on the importance of having an agricultural data and the need to improve the statistics system.
A Pacific Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Fisheries Statistics will also be launched later this week.
