Fiji could save $27 million if the country reduced wheat importation by 25 per cent.
Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy said this during the launch of Vertically Integrated Cassava Flour Enterprise, owned by Anwar Khan, owner of Tavioka Organic Products (Pte) Ltd in Drasa, Lautoka.
“In 2020, Fiji imported around $111.4 million worth of wheat and while wheat flour is an important diet component, it’s costs take a toll on Fiji’s import bill,” he said.
Dr Reddy said Fiji’s reliance on wheat flour grew daily thus the need for a similar substitute, like that of cassava, which was available locally.
“Cassava is one of the easiest crop to grow and the least cost requirement crop as well. “We need to incentivise people who would want to develop this product where cassava flour is utilised.”
He said Fiji as a nation would greatly benefit from the processing of cassava, especially farmers who have had to deal with wastage of food.
“I go around in different parts of Fiji and farmers always tell me that they want their cassava to be purchased and with the initiative by Mr Khan to process cassava into flour would benefit farmers financially as demand for cassava increases subsequently creating employment and improving quality of people’s lives,” Dr Reddy added.
