Nabilah S
In a significant advancement for agricultural development, the new Centre for Agriculture Technology Transfer (CATT), also known as the Smart Farm, officially commenced operations on Friday, 14 June 2024, in Nausori, Fiji.
This ambitious initiative is a collaborative endeavor between the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways of Fiji and the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), with support from the Taiwan International Coperation Fund (TaiwanICDF).
“Today marks a significant milestone as we embrace the seamless fusion of agriculture and technology,” remarked Paul Yin Lien-Chen, Taiwan Trade Office Representative, during the inauguration.
“The Smart Farm transcends traditional agricultural production, embodying a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates technology, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.”
The center boasts cutting-edge facilities, including tissue culture laboratories, technologically advanced greenhouses, and solar-powered clean energy systems. Its mission is to elevate both the quality and quantity of agricultural output in Fiji, while advocating for sustainable farming practices through the application of big data and artificial intelligence.
We aim to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural production in Fiji while maximizing resource utilization and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
“Our focus goes beyond productivity and efficiency, encompassing variety improvement, environmental protection, and contributions to the Fijian community,” emphasized Lien-Chen.
“By collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture of Fiji, we will develop new crop varieties, mentor farmers, and promote local agricultural economic development.”
Dr. Charles Li, Secretary-General of TaiwanICDF, expressed his delight at the opening, highlighting the centre’s resilience in overcoming delays caused by the pandemic.
“It has been over three years since the groundbreaking ceremony. Even so, Taiwan Technical Mission has been working here since 2023, driving various operations,” Dr. Li said.
The center, established at a cost of FJD$3 million (US$1.3 million), features a training hall, a tissue culture lab, a processing facility, a smart nursery, staff quarters, and demonstration fields. It functions as a platform for educating extension officers and farmers on the latest advancements in agricultural technology.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, emphasized the importance of this new facility.
“Today marks a significant milestone, highlighting our shared commitment to agricultural research, development, and training,” stated Dr. Tukana.
“The fruit sector in Fiji is currently underdeveloped, and we extend our gratitude to the Taiwan Technical Mission for accepting this challenge to benefit all farmers in the country.”
The first batch of tissue culture banana planting materials from the center has already been successfully distributed and cultivated at the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute. This facility will also train farmers to produce high-quality bananas for local and future export markets.
Looking ahead, Dr. Li expressed his optimism for future collaborations, highlighting potential partnerships with organizations such as USAID and JICA.
“I am confident that this center will continue to mobilize more resources to enhance its function and efficiency,” he stated. “Taiwan will always stand by our friend, Fiji.”
Dr. Tukana echoed this sentiment, conveying his gratitude to all partners involved.
“I am eager for continued collaboration and coordination to ensure further development of the sector,” he remarked.
The opening of CATT represents a significant milestone in Fiji’s agricultural journey, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for its farming communities.
