We have a plan to develop, expand and diversify the agriculture sector, says Ratu Osea Vutikalulu.
And the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) provisional candidate for the 2022 General Election said he believed strengthening agriculture was the best way to take the country economically forward.
The 65-year-old man from Naveicovatu in Wainibuka said through his extensive experience and expertise in the area, he had the capacity to map out the agricultural development plans Fiji desperately needed.
Ratu Osea is a farmer and a member of the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council and president of Fiji Cocoa Farmers Association.
“The current Government is not supporting farmers and the agricultural sector,” he claimed.
“With the improved agricultural development plans that SODELPA and our team of experts already have in place, we will focus on expanding and diversifying the agricultural sector to make it the backbone of Fiji’s future economy. The landowners, resource owners, farmers and tenants deserve more support and assistance – from crop development to subsidies to market development.”
Ratu Osea said there was a need to expand the cocoa industry in the country and develop cocoa products from dry beans to processed cocoa-based products such as chocolate.
“We are aiming to eventually buy cocoa wet beans from farmers at a sustainable price, dry and sell them locally or for export.
“Currently, US buyers are purchasing cocoa at $10 per kg for dry beans.”
The father of five said he intended to represent and push for indigenous rights.
He said SODELPA would reinstate the Fijian Affairs Act and remove the 33 decrees that he claimed had weakened iTaukei or indigenous land ownership.
“SODELPA and I especially believe in the need for Fiji to climb out of its economic and debt woes.
“We will implement our policies and create more revenue centres and a more robust tax system such as the reintroduction of stamp duty tax with special allocation or exemption for first-time homeowners.”
Ratu Osea said he was ready to represent the needs of his people.
“I wish to be part of the new direction of change and call on you to help make that change by voting SODELPA and in Tailevu to support my candidacy as I intend to represent you and your needs.”
