Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Fiji

24/06/2026

NORTHERN SUGARCANE FARMERS AWARDED WITH GRANT ASSISTANCE

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Fiji’s sugarcane farmers through direct financial assistance and targeted industry support measures to ensure a successful 2026 crushing season.

Speaking during the New Farmer and Lease Premium Assistance Program handover at the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) Office in Labasa today, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, highlighted Government’s continued investment in strengthening and revitalising the sugar industry.

Hon. Tunabuna said the sugar industry remains one of Fiji’s most important economic and social pillars, supporting thousands of farming families, sustaining rural businesses and contributing significantly to the livelihoods of communities across the country.

“Government remains firmly committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of the sugar industry through farmer assistance programmes, infrastructure development, research and improved industry governance,” he said.

“Our vision is to build an industry that is productive, profitable, resilient and attractive to future generations of farmers.”

The Minister acknowledged concerns among growers, harvesting gangs, contractors, and transport operators regarding recent fuel supply challenges, but assured stakeholders that the Government had acted decisively to address the issue.

“Government has guaranteed a minimum cane payment of $85 per tonne for the current season, providing certainty and confidence to growers as they prepare for the season ahead,” Hon. Tunabuna said.

“In addition, Government has announced a $5 million fuel subsidy package for the sugar industry to assist farmers, harvesting gangs and transport operators facing increased operational costs.”

The Minister urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the timely commencement of crushing operations.

“I therefore encourage farmers and harvesting groups to sign the Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) and allow the mills to commence operations without further delay. Every day lost places the season at risk and may reduce returns to farmers,” he said.

Hon. Tunabuna said programmes such as the New Farmer and Lease Premium Assistance Program play a critical role in encouraging new entrants into the industry, assisting lease renewals and ensuring productive agricultural land remains under sugarcane cultivation.

Since its inception, the programme has assisted 611 farmers throughout Fiji. Today, assistance totalling $91,664 was provided to 17 farmers in the Northern Division.

Congratulating the recipients, the Minister reminded them that the assistance represented both an opportunity and a responsibility.
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“This support provides an opportunity to strengthen farming operations and improve productivity, while also carrying the responsibility of contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sugar industry,” he said.

Hon. Tunabuna reiterated Government’s commitment to standing alongside farmers and working collaboratively with industry institutions and stakeholders to build a stronger and more resilient sugar industry for future generations.

“Government has always stood with our farmers and will continue to create the conditions necessary for farmers to prosper and for the sugar industry to thrive,” he said.

Sixteen farmers received their grant packages today from the ten sectors in the Northern Division.

-Ends-

24/06/2026

23/06/2026

MINISTRY HOLDS TWO-DAY WORKSHOP TO STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY AND PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Senior staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry convened at the Nausori Koro village hall for a two‑day workshop themed “Reflecting on Performance, Strengthening Accountability and Planning for Sustainable Growth.”

The workshop was designed to review the Ministry’s performance during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, assess achievements against the Annual Costed Operational Plan (COP), Non‑COP initiatives, and grant projects and evaluate progress against national, sectoral, SDG, and macroeconomic indicators.

The Permanent Secretary Dr. Andrew Tukana opened the workshop by acknowledging the dedication and resilience of ministry staff across Fiji.

He noted that despite a challenging year, officers continued to serve farmers in remote communities, support exporters, implement capital programmes, maintain essential services, coordinate disaster responses and facilitate market access.

He emphasized that leadership had been tested during difficult times, and commended directors, senior officials, technical officers, research staff, drivers, and support personnel for their collective contribution to the Ministry’s achievements.

Dr. Tukana made clear that the workshop was not a routine planning exercise but a strategic stock take of how approximately $115 million in public funds were invested during the 2025/26 Financial Year.

He stressed the importance of accountability to taxpayers and called for evidence‑based reporting that demonstrates impact rather than activity.

Divisions were tasked to present data, beneficiary numbers, and measurable contributions to show how programmes had improved the lives of farmers and communities.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that agriculture does not operate in isolation but is deeply connected to wider national challenges, including rising fuel costs, climate change, poverty and drug‑related issues.

He underscored the role of agriculture as a solution to these challenges, pointing to its capacity to create jobs, generate exports, strengthen the currency and provide pathways out of poverty for rural communities.

He urged participants to adopt strategic thinking, asking them to consider how programmes could help reduce government debt by increasing exports, supporting exporters to expand capacity, diversifying markets, and improving quality.

Dr. Tukana outlined several priorities for the 2026/27 Financial Year and these included strengthening staff welfare and resourcing, with new initiatives approved by government to improve housing, mobility, and IT support.

He emphasized that these investments must translate into improved service delivery and greater field presence.

Food security was identified as a core responsibility, with continued expansion of home gardening, school gardening, backyard livestock production, community farming, urban agriculture, and import substitution programmes.

The Permanent Secretary also called for accelerated development of farm access roads and mechanization to unlock underutilized land, strengthening the capacity of commercial agro‑processors and exporters and agro‑tourism development to demonstrate measurable impact on hotel import bills and farmer incomes.

Dr. Tukana encouraged the exploration of solar‑powered irrigation systems, solar‑powered packhouses and service centres, biogas systems for livestock operations, and cleaner energy solutions for agro‑processors and exporters.

He stressed the need to reduce the Ministry’s own fuel consumption through smarter investments and operational planning, positioning renewable energy as a critical component of sustainable growth.

The workshop brought together directors, senior officers, programme coordinators, and will include representatives from key grant recipients and strategic partners such as AMA, NATI, Tutu, FCLC and PCDF.

He emphasized that success or failure in one organization impacts the entire sector, and called for improved communication, coordination, and joint planning to align priorities and identify synergies.

Throughout the two days, participants were tasked with reviewing implementation challenges, lessons learned and opportunities for improvement while assessing emerging priorities and resource requirements for the 2026/27 Financial Year.

The workshop provided an opportunity to shape strategic directions and divisional priorities for the upcoming Annual COP and Work Plans while also encouraging stronger leadership, clearer communication, and improved organizational effectiveness across the Ministry.

Dr Tukana also highlighted the importance of adopting a solution‑oriented mindset, encouraging senior officers to view gaps as opportunities for action, to build pathways where new possibilities emerge and to use reflection on the past year as a foundation for strengthening systems, partnerships and agriculture’s ongoing contribution to national development.

The two‑day meeting of senior staff reaffirmed their role in guiding the Ministry’s accountability and innovation, underscoring agriculture’s importance to the nation’s food security and economic resilience and setting a clear path forward for sustainable growth in Fiji.

ENDS

23/06/2026

MINISTER HANDS OVER RICE HARVESTER TO BOOST RICE PRODUCTION IN WAINIKORO

The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, yesterday handed over a rice harvester to the Chandmari/Wainikoro Rice Farmers Cooperative, marking a significant milestone in the cooperative's efforts to expand rice production and strengthen food security in Fiji.

Established in May 2025, the Chandmari/Wainikoro Rice Farmers Cooperative comprises 10 farmers from the Chandmari and Wainikoro areas in the Tikina of Nadogo, Macuata Province. The cooperative was formed with the vision of utilising idle land for rice production, improving household incomes, and preserving the area's rich rice-growing heritage.

The cooperative currently cultivates more than 100 acres of arable land and has been actively promoting the cultivation of improved rice varieties recommended by the Ministry, alongside traditional varieties that have been grown in the area for generations. Members work collectively to consolidate their harvests, enabling smallholder farmers to access commercial markets and supply rice to Fiji Rice Limited.

While handing over the harvester, Hon. Tunabuna reminded cooperative members that the machine represented a significant Government investment and an opportunity to further develop rice farming in the district.

"The success of this investment depends on how well you work together and utilise this machine. It is not only for today's farmers but for future generations who will continue cultivating these lands," he said.

The Minister encouraged members to properly maintain the harvester and ensure that it benefits not only the cooperative but also neighbouring rice farmers who may require harvesting services.

He also challenged the cooperative to make full use of the available land resources and continue expanding rice cultivation to contribute towards reducing Fiji's reliance on imported rice.

"Agriculture is a business, and rice remains an important crop for our nation's food security. I encourage you to continue increasing production, utilise idle land, and inspire more young people to see farming as a viable source of income and livelihood," Hon. Tunabuna said.

The cooperative's long-term vision includes expanding rice cultivation onto additional idle leased lands within the Wainikoro area, acquiring more farm machinery, and eventually providing harvesting services to farmers throughout the district at affordable rates.

The Ministry continues to work closely with the cooperative through technical support and extension services, helping members improve production and strengthen the sustainability of rice farming in the area.

The handover of the rice harvester is expected to improve harvesting efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and support the cooperative's objective of establishing a sustainable and commercially viable rice industry in Wainikoro and surrounding communities.

ENDS

23/06/2026

🚢🌱 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – FIJI AGRICULTURAL EXPORT FUEL STABILIZATION REBATE PROGRAMME (FAEFSRP) 🌱🚢

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is pleased to announce the launch of the Fiji Agricultural Export Fuel Stabilization Rebate Programme (FAEFSRP) to assist agricultural exporters affected by recent increases in global fuel and freight costs.

This initiative aims to support exporters, sustain demand for locally produced agricultural commodities, protect farmer livelihoods, and maintain Fiji's export competitiveness during this challenging period.

Eligible Commodities
Targeting Exporters who are exporting the following key commodities
✅ Kava
✅ Dalo (Taro)
✅ Cassava
✅ Ginger
✅ Turmeric
✅ Pineapple
✅ Eggplant

Assistance Available
💰 Eligible exporters may receive a fuel rebate of up to 50% of actual freight costs and fuel incurred when buying produce from farmers, depending on the export volume and approved rebate rate during the approved programme period.

Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
✔ Be a registered exporter in Fiji
✔ Export eligible agricultural commodities
✔ Source produce from local farmers
✔ Possess valid export documentation
✔ Submit freight invoices and proof of payment
✔ Comply with all statutory requirements

Programme Budget
📌 Total Allocation for this Initiative: FJD $200,000
Expected Benefits
🌱 Support 70-100 tonnes of agricultural exports
👨Benefit more than 1,500 farmers through sustained market access
📦 Assist 5–10 exporters nationwide
📈 Strengthen Fiji's agricultural export sector

Apply Now
Complete your application online using the link below:
🔗 https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/KgpydDJB

Applications will close on Monday 29 June 2026 at 5pm.

📅 Applications will be assessed on a first-approved basis until the allocated budget is fully committed.

For more information, please refer to the programme prospectus or contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry.

Together, we are supporting Fiji's exporters, farmers, and rural economy.

23/06/2026

MINISTER TUNABUNA VISITS THE NALEBA YOUTH CENTRE

The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, visited the Naleba Youth Training Centre today, where he met with students and staff and encouraged the young trainees to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Speaking to the students, Hon. Tunabuna stressed the importance of discipline, hard work and making positive choices that would contribute to their future success. He encouraged the youths to remain focused on their education and training, stay away from drugs and other negative influences, and become productive members of their communities.

The Minister highlighted the important role that agriculture can play in creating employment and income-generating opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas. He urged the students to consider agriculture not only as a way of life but also as a viable business opportunity that can provide long-term benefits for themselves and their families.

Hon. Tunabuna also commended the Centre for its efforts in equipping young people with practical skills and values that will help them become self-reliant and contribute positively to national development.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to interact directly with the students, listen to their aspirations and challenges, and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting youth development initiatives throughout the country.

The Ministry remains committed to working with training institutions and communities to empower young people and encourage greater participation in agriculture and other productive sectors of the economy.

ENDS

23/06/2026

MINISTER TUNABUNA LAUNCHES STARLINK INTERNET SERVICE AT WAINIKORO STATION

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry has taken another significant step towards improving service delivery in rural Fiji with the official launch of Starlink Internet Services at the Wainikoro Station in Macuata today.

Officially launching the service, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, said the installation marked an important milestone for the Ministry's operations in the Northern Division.

Speaking before community representatives and Ministry staff, Hon. Tunabuna acknowledged the dedication and perseverance of officers who had continued to serve farming communities despite operating for many years without reliable internet connectivity.

“Today is more than just the installation of an internet connection. It is a significant step forward in strengthening service delivery, improving communication, and creating better opportunities for our officers and the farming communities we serve,” he said.

The Wainikoro Station is currently staffed by three Ministry officers who provide extension and advisory services to farmers across the tikinas of Nadogo, Dogotuki, Namuka, Udu and Cikobia. The introduction of reliable internet connectivity is expected to significantly enhance their ability to communicate, access information and deliver timely support to farming communities spread across these remote areas.

The Starlink installation, valued at $11,322, will provide high-speed internet access to the station, enabling officers to access online reporting systems, agricultural research, weather information, technical support and training resources in real time.

Hon. Tunabuna said the new connectivity would enhance communication and collaboration between Ministry offices across Fiji while improving the quality and efficiency of services provided to farmers.

“Our officers will now have faster access to information, online resources, reporting systems, weather updates, agricultural research, training opportunities and communication platforms that are critical to modern agricultural services,” he said.

He encouraged staff to fully utilise the new technology to improve productivity and service delivery while maintaining professionalism, integrity and commitment to the communities they serve.

The Minister also acknowledged the vital role farmers play in supporting food security, economic growth and national development, urging them to continue working closely with extension officers to strengthen agricultural production throughout the province.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of many families and communities. Success in agriculture is achieved through partnership, collaboration and mutual commitment. When farmers and officers work together, we can achieve greater results for our communities and our nation,” he said.

Hon. Tunabuna said the improved connectivity would make communication easier, accelerate access to information and allow support services to be delivered more effectively to farmers throughout Wainikoro and the wider Macuata Province.

The launch forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and ensure that officers working in remote and rural areas have access to the digital tools required to support Fiji’s agricultural sector.

The Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new internet service would empower staff, support farmers and create new opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity within the community.

In addition to launching the Starlink Internet Service, Hon. Tunabuna also handed over the keys to the station's official vehicle, which will be used by officers to visit farms, monitor agricultural activities, and provide extension services to farmers.

The vehicle is expected to improve the mobility of officers and strengthen the Ministry's ability to provide timely support and technical assistance to farming communities across the vast service area.

The Minister reminded staff that the vehicle was a valuable Government asset and encouraged them to utilise it responsibly to better serve farmers and support agricultural development in the region.

ENDS

23/06/2026

The unveiling of the new agricultural demonstration base in Lomolomo, Nadi, marked a step in advancing modern farming practices and fostering international collaboration.

Hosted by the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences of China at the farm of investor Mr. Shi Guofeng, the event showcased modern approaches to vegetable farming and underscored the value of cross‑border collaboration in strengthening food security and driving sustainable growth in Fiji’s agricultural sector.

22/06/2026

📢 Employment Opportunities | Be Green Project

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and co-financed by IFAD, is inviting applications for several exciting project positions based in Savusavu, Vanua Levu.

Applications close at 4:30pm on 30 June 2026.

For details on the available positions and job descriptions, visit the Ministry's website - www.agriculture.gov.fj or refer to the advertisement below.