Agriculture Minister, Dr. Mahendra Reddy [Source: Fijian Government]

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Mahendra Reddy has revealed the steps taken by the government to improve output with the sector.

Responding to the Opposition in parliament this morning, Reddy says through the budget allocation for the industry, one of the major focus is to improve the livelihood of those residing in rural communities.

“This is how we intend to improve the livelihood, one is the agricultural expenditure. We are trying to see how we can expand the agricultural expenditure output. The second step is to see how we can maintain the level of production. The third step is if they are maintaining the level of production then how we can improve productivity.”

Reddy says some of the methods used to assist rural communities include, the Rural and Outer Islands programme, which is allocated $1.5million, the Agriculture and partnership programme which is allocated $2 million and the Food and Security Programme.