The dairy industry in Fiji has achieved another milestone with the opening the Waidalice Chilling Centre Farmers’ Cooperative Warehouse in Korovou by the Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime and National Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu.
The Minister thanked the stakeholders and the public for the contribution and commitment shown towards the acquisition of this new facility.
He said the decision by the Waidalice Chilling Centre Farmers’ Cooperative to acquire this warehouse is a significant milestone in the development of Fiji’s dairy industry and agriculture sector.
“Fiji currently imports approximately FJ$70million worth of dairy products annually and this is one of the major components of the agriculture sector,” he added.
Minister Seruiratu said the Fijian Government’s agriculture program includes revamping the nation’s dairy industry through improving national milk production and focus on increasing production in the formal market from 10 million to 15 million litres of milk annually.
He said the opening of the facility would provide access to quality feeds to dairy farmers in Waidalice at a much reduced cost. He added that the use of feeds would boost milk production and improve the quality of milk and fetch better prices for farmers.
“Milk production at Waidalice Chilling Centre as at 30th of September this year was 1.2 million litres out of which 70,000 litres of milk was rejected as it did not meet the quality requirements.
“On average, approximately 4,400 litres of milk is supplied to the chilling centre on a daily basis however 6% of this goes to waste.
“Therefore, the Waidalice Chilling Centre Farmers’ Cooperative is intending to further expand their business with the acquisition of this warehouse, by venturing into the processing of ghee from the milk that is rejected to avoid further wastage and loss that is incurred by local farmers,” the Minister said.
The Minister went on to say that Fiji’s dairy industry provides employment in the rural community and Government’s assistance has also supported development of farmers especially in the rural areas through infrastructure development, procurement of livestock and provision of extension services.
He said that the opening of this new facility supports these ambitious plans for growth and the expansion of the future of Fiji’s dairy industry.
“It is the Ministry’s wish, so as the Government’s to explore options to better partnership and collaboration with our farmers and the Agri-business community in the Agriculture sector.”
“The current strategy of the Government is designed to see the sector expand and flourish,” he added.