FARMERS in Vanua Levu lack the knowledge of exploring other methods of marketing to help them sell their produce, says principal agricultural officer northern John Cox.
Mr Cox said farmers were now following a trend of producing fresh-market produce for the local municipal markets only and not for export purposes.
"In order to meet the standard of export, farmers need to change their mind-sets on how they market their products.
"Instead of selling their root crops, vegetables and fruits in bulk, they can always slice it or sell it in small portions," he said.
"For instance, instead of selling dalo and cassava in heaps, it can be sliced and packed.
"This will not only generate more sources of income for them but also save time and effort for customers as they don't have to peel and wash such crops before cooking it."
Mr Cox said this sort of practice would also enhance the exportation system in the country. "We have the potential here in the north and it's just the attitude of farmers towards their produce that needs to be improved in order for us promote our locally-produced commodities for exportation," he said.
"Some farmers are exporting their products overseas but it's on a slow basis."