[Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO]Fiji is stepping up efforts to reduce its reliance on imported agricultural products, with the government investing in better market access to help local farmers increase sales and boost domestic production. Article continues after advertisement“One of the main challenges faced by our farmers is accessing reliable markets to sell their produce. Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna says the increased funding reflects the government’s commitment to improving market access and ensuring farmers have better opportunities to sell their produce. He says Fiji’s immediate priority is to meet domestic demand before expanding exports, adding that strengthening collection and marketing systems is key to reducing the country’s dependence on imported agricultural products. The government believes expanding market infrastructure will improve farmers’ incomes, boost local production and help build a more resilient agriculture sector.