In a bid to entice farmers to remain engaged within the agricultural sector, the Agriculture Ministry is encouraging farmers to diversify into new crops and mixed farming.

Minister Responsible, Inia Seruiratu says farmers who only produce crops are also being encouraged to diversify into farming livestock.

Seruiratu says farmers must treat farming as a business in order to live off their produce.

He adds diversification is vital as it reduces the risk levels for farmers, taking into account Fiji’s adverse weather patterns.

The Minister highlighted that in order for diversification to be successful – a strong partnership between farmers, the Government and the private sector is vital.

“Government will come up with the strategic intends Government will come up with the strategies and the regulating policies which are very critical and of course with public sector investment as well providing infrastructure and utilities for the farmers.”

Seruiratu says the participation of private sector is crucial as they are the engine of growth in the economy with the equipment, finance, skills and the technology.

He adds through diversification, a steady source of income will be generated for farmers resulting in an increase of agricultural businesses.