Ladies and Gentlemen,
Vinaka Vakalevu and Dhanyavaad for gathering here at the Vodafone Arena in Suva as we come together to celebrate World Food Day and open this year’s National Agriculture Show.
This day holds special significance for Fiji, as we reflect on the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture in our nation.
Before I delve into the theme for World Food Day; “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind,” I’d like to share a personal perspective.
Like many of you, the events of the past few years, especially the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, taught me the profound value of growing our food.
It reminded me of a way of life that our people once cherished – the love for gardening and nurturing root crops in our backyards.
It is a practice deeply rooted in our culture and heritage.
You see, having a home garden is not just about growing vegetables; it’s about creating a source of fresh and constant food supply.
It’s about fostering food security, ensuring proper nutrition for our families, and reducing our dependence on imported processed foods.
It’s about nurturing resilience within our communities.
This year’s World Food Day theme, strikes at the heart of our nation’s challenges and opportunities.
Fiji, as an island nation, faces specific challenges related to food security, water resources, and ensuring that all its citizens have access to nutritious food and clean water.
Sustainable water resource management is important.
Ensuring access to safe and clean water for irrigation, livestock, and aquaculture is vital for food production and the livelihoods of many citizens, especially those engaged in agriculture.
The theme emphasises the interconnectedness of water and food.
Sustainable water resource management is vital, ensuring access to clean water for agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture.
This supports the livelihoods of our people, especially those engaged in agriculture.
It echoes the theme of this year’s National Agriculture Show – “Resilient, Sustainable, and Productive.”
The impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events make water management and food security even more complex.
To address this, we need strategies that make our food production resilient to climate change.
We must explore drought-resistant crops and sustainable water practices.
However, to genuinely leave no one behind means addressing issues like food affordability, distribution, and nutritional education, especially among vulnerable populations and those in remote areas.
It calls for communal efforts and collaboration among communities, government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure that every Fijian has access to water and food.
In a world where millions grapple with hunger, conflict, climate change, and the ongoing pandemic remain major drivers of global hunger.
Nearly 30% of the global population, approximately 2.3 billion people, are food insecure.
This is a stark reminder that the fight against hunger is a global endeavor, and Fiji must play its part.
We celebrate World Food Day in collaboration with organisations like the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Food Program, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Our agriculture sector, the backbone of Fiji’s economy, involves approximately 35% of our population, supporting their food and livelihood needs.
In 2021, it accounted for 9.1% of our GDP, with a 1.0% growth during the year, led by top export commodities like Kava, Turmeric, Taro, Ginger, Cassava, Meat of Chicken, and Other Vegetables.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and tropical cyclones, Fiji has recorded continuous export growth in fresh/chilled commodities.
We have seen continuous export growth in fresh and chilled commodities, despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the value of fresh and chilled exports increased by 4.9%, contributing significantly to our national earnings.
We are dedicated to supporting agricultural development and transitioning smallholder farmers to commercial levels.
We continue to witness an increase in the number of farmers, showing the growing importance of agriculture in our people’s lives.
The Ministry is dedicated to supporting agricultural development and transitioning smallholder farmers to commercial levels.
We have witnessed an increase in the number of farmers, with 15,598 more joining the ranks, bringing the total to 98,993.
It is a testament to the growing importance of agriculture in the lives of our people.
But challenges persist.
The Household Income and Expenditure Survey for 2019-2020 revealed that 40% of households engaged in subsistence farming, and 23% of agricultural wage earners were considered poor.
We must address these issues in the face of population growth, climate change, and changing dietary choices.
To achieve our Sustainable Development Goals, we need accelerated growth in the agriculture sector.
Increased agricultural productivity can enhance food security, reduce poverty, create green jobs, and foster economic growth.
The National Agriculture Show’s theme; “Resilient, Sustainable, and Productive,” encapsulates our goals.
This event is a testament to our commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, and Public-Private Partnerships are key to this effort.
We need larger investments in mechanisation, climate-smart technologies, processing facilities, and agri-food logistics, while smaller investments will support farmers and agriculture-based micro, small, and medium enterprises.
On behalf of the Fiji Government, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners and stakeholders who have dedicated their resources and support to building a more resilient agriculture sector in Fiji.
We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with government stakeholders in all sectors of the economy in the years to come.
Together, we can leave no one behind in the journey towards a world free from hunger and poverty.
Let us embrace the theme of World Food Day 2023 – “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind,” and work tirelessly to build a more resilient, sustainable, and productive future for Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Dhanyavaad to all of you for your unwavering support and commitment to this noble cause.
Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you.