Land degradation is affecting sustainable development such as food security, energy, forestry, climate and water resources in the country which is a major concern for future generations.
Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu made the statement whilst replying to a question posed by Government MP Mataiasi Niumataiwalu on how land degradation threatens the sustainable livelihood of future generations in Fiji.
“Madame Speaker right now in Taveuni, we have a big problem in Taveuni of depleting soil fertility because farming in Taveuni is continuous. They harvest the yaqona, they plant dalo, they harvest dalo, they plant cassava there is not time given for the land to fallow and replenish itself, that is husbandry practise, that is sustainable land practise, so we have a serious problem now in Taveuni, this is about land changing to worst conditions.”
Seruiratu says export levels have been affected as well.
Previously the rejection for dalo was at 10 to 15% now it stands at 30 to 40%.
He says the Ministry is looking at ways to address the issues as soon as possible and discussions will be carried in parliament soon with regards to the Land Use Act.
