As part of Government’s efforts to expand local production of fruits and vegetables, an allocation of $250,000 has been provided in 2011 budget for the Saivou Agriculture Development Programme.
This programme will ensure that reliance on imports of fruits and vegetables, that can be produced domestically, are reduced and local demand is met.
This is a new agricultural development programme which will be implemented in the tikina Saivou in the Ra Province.
It is expected that three villages from the tikina, namely Nakorotubu, Nalawa and Saivou will be benefit from this programme.
Assessments undertaken indicate excellent potential for the expansion of crop production.
The Saivou Agriculture Development Programme will support around 1400 farmers in the area through improvements to infrastructure such as drainage, supply of agro inputs, establishing a green house and establishing market linkages for the products.
The intention is to develop the agriculture potential of Saivou to a similar level as the Sigatoka valley over a three year period.
As the agricultural sector continues to develop, it is expected that the production of agricultural by-products and high-value processed goods such as oils, creams, juices, jams and processed foods will become more readily available.
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