7 May 2013

Fiji government to revive pineapple industry

9:48 am on 7 May 2013

The Fiji government is planning to revive the pineapple industry to help farmers to boost their income.

The Director of extension, Vatimi Rayalu told FBC that Fiji used to export pineapples to New Zealand from Vanua Levu but high transportation costs means this has declined.

Mr Rayalu says the government is determined to revitalise the industry particularly around the areas of Tailevu.

He says the government has a proposal to set up a juice extraction plant in Tailevu by the end of this year, for pineapples that are rejected in the local market due their small size.

Mr Rayalu says the government will also continue to look at ways to increase returns to Fiji.