Farmers in Navua are being encouraged to adopt a business-focused approach to agriculture to improve profitability and ensure the long-term sustainability of their farming operations.

The call was made during a two-day training programme on “Farming as a Business”, organised by the Farm Management section of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

Opening the training, Agriculture Officer (Livestock) for Serua/Namosi, Penaia Donuca, stressed the importance of proper planning and informed decision-making in developing successful farming enterprises.

The programme aims to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills to manage crop and livestock production more efficiently, while strengthening their ability to make sound business decisions.

Key areas covered include financial record keeping, labour and equipment management, production practices and marketing strategies. These skills are expected to help farmers control costs, improve productivity and make better use of available resources.

Mr Donuca highlighted that farming success depends on more than producing crops and raising livestock. Farmers also need to track their expenses, understand market demands and manage resources effectively to maintain profitable operations.

He also emphasised the need for farmers to prepare for challenges such as extreme weather conditions, pest outbreaks, animal diseases and changes in commodity prices.

The training further promotes the efficient use of land, water, labour, machinery and other farm inputs, alongside practices that support environmental sustainability and long-term agricultural productivity.

Through programmes like this, the Ministry continues to strengthen farmers’ management capabilities and encourage the development of commercially viable farming enterprises, contributing to food security, improved household incomes and the growth of Fiji’s agricultural sector.