On June 22, 2021, India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors during a virtual meeting. This MoU will be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) from India and the Ministry of Agriculture of Fiji.
Duration of MoU:
It will be applicable for a period of five years from the date of signing.
Signatories:
It was signed by Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, MoA&FW from Indian side and Dr. Mahendra Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Waterways & Environment from Fiji.
What is in the MoU?
Under the MoU, there will be cooperation in the fields of Dairy Industry Development, Rice Industry Development, Root crop diversification, Water Resources Management, Coconut Industry Development, Food Processing Industry Development, Agriculture Mechanization, Horticulture Industry Development, Agricultural Research, Animal Husbandry, Pest and Disease, Cultivation, Value Addition and Marketing, Post-Harvest and Milling, Breeding and Agronomy.
i.There will also be setting up of a Joint Working Group (JWG) for planning and recommendation of programs in order to achieve the goals laid down in MoU. This JWG will hold its meetings alternately in India and Fiji once every two years.
ii.This MoU will also strengthen the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.
Point to be noted:
i.On the request of Fiji Government, India distributed about 7 tonnes of seeds of 14 varieties of fruits and vegetables as a grant for the communities affected by Cyclone Yasa.
Efforts taken by Indian government for development in agriculture:
i.Setting up of 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
ii.Creation of 10 thousand FPOs (Farmers Producer Organisation)
iii.During the Corona pandemic loans worth Rs. 2 lakh crore have been given to the farmers
Recent Related News:
MoA&FW signed MoU with Microsoft India to undertake a Pilot Project in 100 villages (of 10 districts) in 6 states. The pilot programme is aimed at reducing input cost and boosting the income of Farmers.
About Fiji:
Capital– Suva
Currency– Fijian dollar
Prime Minister– Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
