The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, 13 July 2022, at the iTaukei Affairs Boardroom in Nasese. The Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Mr Pita Tagicakirewa, and Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Mr Vinesh Kumar, and their senior officers attended the signing ceremony.
PS Kumar praised the collaboration and strengthening of working relationships between the two Ministries, saying it marked a new beginning. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support landowners and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs in the areas of shared priorities.
Similarly, Mr Tagicakirewa expressed his view that the MOU will improve collaboration, partnership, and working together for the same objectives.
These efforts will be guided by the Strategic Development Plans of both Ministries where they will consolidate their efforts in improving the sustainable livelihoods of rural Fijians. This would result in enhancing their well-being and improving their productivity. A potential area is commercial farming, which should contribute significantly to the Government’s economic recovery efforts.