The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is allocated $95.2million, an increase of $37.3m.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is allocated $95.2million, an increase of $37.3m.
Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad said $13.9m was allocated to fund the Agricultural Marketing Authority, Committee on Better Utilisation of Land, and Commercial Agriculture Development.
Other allocations include:
More than $47.5m for crops and livestock research and extension services,
$1m to boost crop production,
$5m to Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited and dairy extension programme; and
$5.3million for farm access roads, the provision of tractors and existing agricultural offices and quarters.
Department of Waterways
The Department of Waterways receives $22m to improve the drainage system around the country.
Mr Prasad said $16.2m was allocated to improve drainage schemes. Of this amount, $3m is for the dredging of Ba and Labasa rivers.
Termites assistance
$3m is allocated to assist Fijians whose properties were damaged/affected by termites in the Western and Northern Divisions.
The Ministry of Finance will release more details on the roll out of this initiative soon.
Overall reaction
Maca Vakasigaleka of Batiri Village in Macuata, called the Budget “timely”.
Ms Vakasigaleka sells her produce at the Labasa market. Through the better utilisation of land grants, she hopes to seek more assistance from the ministry to increase capital produce.
Fiji Rice Pte Limited chief executive officer Ashrit Pratap described the budget under the ministry as a good one.
He is optimistic it will help them.
Story By: Jone Salusalu
Feedback: [email protected]
