Minister for Agriculture has challenged 260 beef cattle farmers in Fiji to send as many cattle as possible for slaughter so that the abattoir in Nakasi operates on every business day.
He made the comment while handing over fencing materials to cattle farmers in Nadi, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki.
“Our abattoir in Nakasi is closed for three days because we don’t have enough cattle to slaughter, so let’s see how many cattle you can supply to the abattoir,” he said.
“Then you tell us, I operate a model farm, can you help me to grow big because we don’t want to import any beef meat from Australia or New Zealand.
“We want all hotels to talk to the abattoir to provide them with all the cuts that they want, why should we import from Australia and New Zealand, when we want to export to neighbouring countries in the Pacific.
“We are starting a revolution with regards to livestock production but in this revolution, we are just the facilitator, we are giving you the technical advice, the initial leverage.
“We’ve poured millions of dollars into failed schemes in our attempts to bolster the local beef industry in Fiji but investing in failed schemes has to stop and we are hoping that you succeed.”
Each farmer received 20 pine posts, 10 coils of high-tensile barbed wire, one coil No.8 wire and 2 kilograms of staples (U-nails) under the Beef Extension program.
