SUVA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture has recorded an increase in entrepreneurial farming amidst COVID-19.
Permanent Secretary for Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture Ritesh Dass said Wednesday there is a pronounced interest from Fijians at household level to invest in commercial farming due to the COVID-19 crisis.
According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Dass said this was a positive thing as it would further boost the agriculture sector on the island nation. He said Fijians with land wanted to invest in it while those who did not have land wanted to lease and establish farms.
Dass said many families were investing in backyard gardens and most Fijians were enquiring about securing commercial agricultural plots boosting the agriculture sector.
He said farming should be part of everyone's lives as such activities can create numerous opportunities for Fiji.
"One good thing that's come out of COVID-19 is that there is a realization that food is a necessity and to address the issue of food security but mostly insecurity in Fiji farming is the way to go."
The ministry said farming should not only be an activity or profession but a way of life as it comes in handy during difficult times.
According to Investment Fiji, agriculture is a mainstay of Fiji's economy, contributing around 28 percent to total employment in the formal sector and indirectly employing many more.
This sector contributes 451 million Fijian dollars (about 206 million U.S. dollars) annually to the nation's GDP.
Agriculture plays an important role in the process of rural development. Having a rich resource base and tropical climate, Fiji has an advantage in producing a wide variety of tropical fruits and vegetables given the fast expanding tourism sector, agricultural growth is necessary to supply high local hotel demand. Enditem
