Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addresses Fiji’s food security and water resource challenges during the 2023 World Food Day and National Agriculture Show.

He emphasizes the importance of providing nutritious food and clean water aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Rabuka says the government’s commitment is promoting sustainable water resource management.

He adds a lot more emphasis is placed on safe and clean water for irrigation, livestock, and aquaculture for food production and livelihoods.

“Sustainable water resource management is vital. This supports the livelihoods of our people, especially those engaged as we are, in the dissemination of information and knowledge of agriculture and those that practice them daily.”

Rabuka says this year’s theme for the Agriculture show “Resilient, Sustainable, and Productive” also highlights the importance of further incorporating traditional knowledge into agriculture.

“Traditional knowledge applied to modern agriculture for sustainable land use and agriculture and sustainable productivity in whatever we do. But gardening and farming deeply rooted in our culture and our heritage.”

Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu underscores the significance of the annual event for economic diversification.

He adds these events play an important role towards food security, income generation, employment, rural development and economic diversification.

The event features over 50 booths displaying agricultural products from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm.

The event will conclude this Friday.