Government, through the Department of Fisheries is prioritizing production of seaweed to meet demands from the Chinese market.
Ministry of Fisheries and Forests permanent secretary Mr Inoke Wainiqolo said the Chinese market needed 300 metric tonnes of local seaweed a month.
“Our export target is to produce 250 tonnes of seaweed by 2014 that is why we are increasing awareness of seaweed production and our technical officers have been busy assisting interested fisheries owners in setting up their seaweed farms all around Fiji ,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
Mr Wainiqolo said they are also increasing their awareness campaign on seaweed farming around Fiji.
“We have conducted several workshops with seaweed farmers in the Central, Western and Northern Division this year,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
He said they are also present in all Provincial meetings to advise the various provinces on seaweed farming.
“We also instruct villagers on how to manage their seaweed farm and even help them in the marketing of their first harvest,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
Mr Wainiqolo said seaweed farming is increasing in Fiji which can be seen in villages around Fiji.
“I know that seaweed is farmed in Nagigi, Nacavanadi, Lakeba, Mali Dromuninuku, Tacilevu, Nakobo, Kavewa, Druadrua, Navunievu and Tavulomo in Vanua Levu. In Lomaiviti seven villages are concentrating on seaweed farming, while there are also farms in Tailevu, Rewa and Kadavu,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
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