The Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy has raised concerns on the number of arable land in the country which can be utilized for agricultural purposes.

During a consultative tour in Taveuni this week, Dr Reddy told farmers on the Ministry’s desire to grow the agriculture sector.

He says if idle land is cultivated, the actual outcome could add to the growth of the economy.

“Idle land is not good for anyone, idle land is not good for you for your mataqali, your community and not good for this country. We got so much good arable land in this country that is lying idle.”

The Minister says farming is a national interest and they will rally behind farmers who are willing to be productive on a commercial scale.

“Our main objective of being here is to motivate all of you to bring your land under production for your benefit and benefit of this country. We will provide you with public infrastructure such as farm roads, drainage if there is a need but we want you to do commercial farming.”

Meanwhile, Dr Reddy adds that considering Government’s limited resources, the Ministry cannot continue to keep assisting a particular farmer as they do not want dependent agriculture but rather an independently growing agriculture sector.