LAND development is now one of the main focuses of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma to lessen the burden placed on its congregation.
According to newly-appointed president, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu, they will now use all church land that has not been utilised.
He said this was to recognise the importance of the role that farmers played in the growth of the agricultural sector and how they could influence in creating new farmers to take over the ageing farmers population.
Mr Waqairatu said their next project was to develop church land in Navuso for commercial farming to generate income to finance their day-to-day operation.
He said over the years, church members had complained of increased levy that sometimes affected their livelihood.
"Plans are in the pipeline to develop this big piece of land for commercial farming," Mr Waqairatu said.
He said the land looked promising for other development that would directly assist the church in one way or another.
Former president Reverend Ame Tugaue said the land in Navuso would also be established as a meeting point for farm managers.
Mr Tugaue said the church planned to develop model farms at Navuso for training and for circuit youth members throughout the country.