Farmers from across Vanua Levu have been recognised for their contribution to rural livelihoods and the agriculture sector at the Northern Farmers Awards, held during the 2026 National Agriculture Show in Labasa.

Addressing the event, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavo called on farming communities to prepare for increasingly difficult conditions, particularly the effects of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon.

For families in rural Fiji, agriculture remains a major source of food, income and employment while also helping keep local economies active, Bulitavo said.

He cautioned that declining rainfall and extended dry periods associated with El Niño could put pressure on water supplies, reduce crop production and affect livestock.

Farmers were encouraged to conserve water, adopt climate-smart farming methods and diversify their agricultural activities to reduce the impact of changing weather conditions.

Bulitavo said building resilience was important not only for the environment, but also for protecting livelihoods, food supplies and the interests of future generations.

More than 40 award categories were presented, recognising farmers, communities and agricultural enterprises across the North for their innovation, resilience and efforts towards sustainable farming.