Shania Shayal Prasad 
[ Source: Ministry of Agriculture / Facebook ]
The Ministry of Agriculture is pushing for stronger ties with the academic institutions to ensure research directly shapes agricultural policy and budget planning.
Speaking at a mini-symposium in Suva, Tomasi Tunabuna said Fiji has long produced valuable agricultural research, but too little has translated into policy or measurable outcomes.
He identified a structural gap between research and implementation as a major challenge.
Tunabuna reaffirmed commitments under the 10-Year National Agriculture Policy to boost innovation through increased research funding, stronger local and international partnerships, a national research agenda, and closer collaboration between research and extension services.
A key outcome from the symposium is the creation of a formal Ministry–Research and Academia Forum, to meet twice a year and align academic findings with government priorities.
The Minister stresses that future agriculture spending must be evidence-based, with every dollar backed by data and aligned to national goals.
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