Peceli Naviticoko 
Waiqele Fiji water
Fiji Water’s agricultural project in Vanua Levu is moving into its next phase, with planting expected to begin in Waiqele, near Labasa Airport, next month.
Citrus will be among the first crops planted, while pawpaw is also being considered.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica says planting is expected to begin in September.
“The entry of Fiji Water to Vanua Levu, they will be planting citrus down in Waiqele, very close to the airport. The planting will probably start in September, we are also looking at planting pawpaw.”
Kamikamica says the project is expected to bring agricultural expertise and knowledge to the North, while creating opportunities for collaboration with local businesses.
He says the government is encouraging established companies to work with local businesses to expand economic activity in Vanua Levu.
Food Processors Fiji Chairman Raj Sharma says discussions are underway with Fiji Water on potential collaboration in agriculture and food processing.
Sharma says Food Processors Fiji is also exploring opportunities to work with other companies to process and can locally produced crops, while developing markets across the Pacific.
The project could create further opportunities for local businesses and employment as agricultural production and value-adding expand in Vanua Levu.
