Root crop farmers in the Ra and Tavua area would soon have another export market following revelations today that another export company will soon open its doors in Tavua.
This was confirmed by the Agricultural Officer Tavua/Nadarivatu Vinay Sami who said Maqere Exports, a local company was in the final stages of setting up a factory in Tavua.
“Maqere Exports will open soon and they would be able to buy cassava and other root crops from farmers in the Tavua, Nadarivatu and the larger Ra province to export them to markets overseas,” he said.
“Through the opening of the facility, the company is looking to export 2 containers of cassava every fortnight.”
Currently, there is only one export facility in Tavua however, Mr Samia adds that more companies are lining up to set up such facilities in rural areas due to the high number of farmers that are currently practicing subsistence farming in Fiji’s villages.
“Ensuring that these farmers make the transition to commercial farming is an aim of the agriculture department and we are working very closely with potential farmers to see this come to fruition,” Mr Sami said.
“Tavua currently has only one (registered) farmer who is exporting egg plant however the potential is there to grow. Interest to is increasing and the department is expecting an increase in vegetable farming in the new year.”
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said government will ensure that those farmers that are looking at diversifying and increasing their yield will get the right technical support and assistance.
“Commercial farming is still very new to farmers in the rural areas however, with help from the agriculture department, farmers should be able to transit to commercial farming,” Cmdr Cawaki said.
“Government assistance and technical support is there and farmers can tap to our highly qualified staff at the agriculture department to take their farms to another level and be export oriented.”
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