Business tycoon and chairman of Hari Punja Group of Companies, Hari Punja, at his office in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday, with an artist’s impression of The Palms Denarau Island project currently underway on Denarau Island. Photo: RAMA

By RACHNA LAL

Denarau Tourist Apartments Limited, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Hari Punja and Sons Limited, has begun construction of The Palms Denarau Island Fiji.
The $20-million project on one of the most famous tourism locations in Fiji, Denarau Island, began in May this year.
Hari Punja and Sons Group of Companies chairman, Hari Punja, in an interview with the Fiji Sun confirmed the 15-month project would be completed by September next year.
Mr Punja said the development comprises of a three-storey apartment complex containing 30 units of “very high quality two bedroom apartments”.
The construction is very close to Port Denarau and the Marina.
“This project is an integrated tourism development,” Mr Punja said.
“The project includes 30 serviced apartments together with the requisite public facilities such as swimming pool, restaurant/café and a bar.”
Construction works are being carried out by Pacific Building Solutions.
Mr Punja said this project is similar to Radisson Blue and Fiji Beach Resort and Spa Managed by Hilton already on Denarau Island.

Economic benefits
Mr Punja highlighted some of the benefits out of the construction of The Palms Denarau Island Fiji.
“There will be employment creation for the new development and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
Mr Punja said there will also be increased ancillary business for various suppliers to the development – goods and services.
Moreover, Mr Punja said this will mean addition of more hotel rooms to the tourism industry.
“Also the multiplier effect from the spending to the many people employed during and after construction right down to household consumption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Punja revealed Hari Punja and Sons Limited and its subsidiary companies are in the midst of investing a total of about $55 million in various projects and expansion in Fiji.

Snake-handler Mili Koroi shows students that snakes can be tamed by people at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN

By  RAEVENN BREEN

The Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr Brij Lal, has stressed the importance of the agriculture sector for the economy as well as a means for employment.
He was addressing people, particularly students, at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
He said: “The agricultural sector in Fiji is extremely important as it is a vital source of revenue for the economy.
“It has the ability to provide future generations with jobs, therefore providing employment.”
He Lal said it is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to develop a sound agricultural foundation for our nation.
Meanwhile, despite the rainy weather experienced in Lautoka yesterday, people turned out in numbers to witness some of the wonders of the agricultural world.

Displays at the show
When one is asked about what agriculture involves, the first thought that comes to mind is farming.
However correct, agriculture is the main title for a category of various aspects which involve farming, breeding, sustainability and environmental awareness issues through farming.
The Crest Agriculture Show allows people to witness some of the wonders of the Fijian Agricultural world and what it involves, how it operates and what some of the benefits are which come from the agricultural sector.
On display at the park grounds are a variety of different farm animals as well as snakes and peacocks.
Some of the farm animals on display at different booths at the park come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, some even in sizes that members of the public are astonished by.
In one of the displays, the Department of Agriculture, Animal Health and Product Division has a pen featuring a Duroc Boar, the largest pig on display at the Agriculture show.
This pig is one of three major breeds bred in the country, and has a large robust muscular frame. The crowd was taken aback by the size of this animal.
In another booth, a Brahman bull stood shyly amongst a crowd of hundreds of school children and members of the public, who applauded for its immense size and the coldness in its eyes when it stared at you.
What also caught the eyes of many was the snake that was being shown to people by snake-handler Mili Koroi, who laughed at the frightened faces of children as well as the adults who witnessed the snake on her arms.

By RACHNA LAL

The Fiji Papua New Guinea Business Council president, Kevin McCarthy, has stressed that the way forward for many companies is for targeted appointments in Papua New Guinea.
Mr McCarthy made these comments at the council’s annual general meeting which was held yesterday at the Holiday Inn Suva.
He said the council is lobbying for a trade officer to be appointed to the Fiji High Commission in PNG to facilitate these appointments.
The council is taking proactive approach to enhance business relations between Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Mr McCarthy indicated a sub-committee has been appointed to work on the issues of shipping, customs and quarantine that will allow for improved trade facilitation.
“The issues are quite complex, but a start has been made,” he said.
“Our aim for the next 12 months is to continue to work on shipping, customs and quarantine issues, lobby for the appointment of a Trade Officer in PNG and to hold more networking functions.”

Successes after re-launch
Mr McCarthy said the Fiji PNG Business Council has come a long way since December 2011 when Investment Fiji had approached business people with connections to PNG to re-launch the council.
“The previous council had not held meetings since May, 2005,” he said.
It has been therefore noted that the council has performed well since its revival in December 2011.
Mr McCarthy said MSG changes will give great impetus for further trade between Fiji and PNG. The council is expected to continue to hold more networking functions that will allow greater trade and investment between the two countries.

Products on display at the Asco Motors trade road show in Nabouwalu, Bua, last week. Photo: SITERI TALEITAKI

By SITERI TALEITAKI

The Asco Motors trade road show held in Nabouwalu, Bua, ended in a big way last week.
Asco Motors manager Yamaha Rupeni Matakibau said the two-day event was a successful one in a sense that partners came together to be part of the trade show 2013.
“The business houses are very grateful and happy with the Bua Province partnership and support that enabled the tradeshow to run smoothly,” he said.
Mr Matakibau confirmed the Chinese-run Xinfa Aurum Exploration (Fiji) Limited donated $25,000 and $8000 was donated by the business community.
“A total of $33,000 was collected and this will go towards scholarships funding for the Bua’s young generation,” he said.
Mr Matakibau said that the next Bua Tradeshow would be better and he promised to bring Suva City to Nabouwalu.
“This is only the beginning. The Bua Province should expect more next year,” he said.
“Next year will bigger and explosive and it will be a real trade show.”

New partnerships
Asco Motors National Marketing manager, Elenoa Korovulavula Mule, said this year Asco Motors had brought in five new companies to partner with them for the tradeshow.
“The Bob’s Hook Line and Sinker was one of the companies coming in as the people of Bua had specially requested them for their products,” she said.
Ms Mule said Solar Pacific, a subsidiary of Hot Bread Kitchen, was also there with their range of solar lights and products.
Mr Matakibau commended the Patterson Brothers for their good ferry-bus services and hoped to deliver more excellent and better services in the future.
Other partners in the tradeshow were Vodafone, Telecom Fiji, Kasabia’s, Goodman Fielder, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Transport Authority, Bank South Pacific and Westpac along with Merchant Finance and Fijian Holdings Unit Trust.
He hinted that the next Trade Road show will be from November 21 to 23 in Kadavu.
Mr Matakibau also highlighted that chief executive Public Rental Board, Mesake Seinibulu, is also interested being in partner for the next year’s trade show.

Access to services
Roko Tui Bua, Rupeni Kunaturaga, said having government departments and organisations represented during the tradeshow gave an opportunity for villagers in the Province of Bua to gain access to services.
“The show is for the people of Bua to know the different kinds of services provided by government departments and other statutory organisations since they live far from the main town,” he said.
“Villagers living in Bua areas always spend huge sums of money to get to these kinds of services in Labasa”.
Mr Kunaturaga said school students also have an opportunity to broaden their knowledge on their career paths.
He said the initiative has opened the eyes of the people of Bua and especially the students to realize and learn about their future career plans.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

At least 12 cases of cane fire have been reported in the Western Division in the past five days.
This has resulted in damage costing over $55,000 and has led to serious concerns being raised.
Fiji Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said out of the 12 cases, six had been reported in Ba and another six in Nadi.
“As investigations continue, the high number of cane fires continues to be of concern considering the loss generated to Fiji’s economy,” she said.
As of last Friday, there was a total of 342 setting fire to crop cases reported since the beginning of the crushing season resulting in the loss of millions of dollars to the sugar industry.
Ms Naisoro said a directive has been given to officers to catch those involved and hold them accountable.

Increase patrol
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said there would be increased patrolling of cane farms in the Western Division.
He said pocket meetings would be held with cane farmers in the West to discuss the issue of cane burning.
Commander Cawaki said these farmers had lost their source of income and perpetrators would be taken to task.
He is further urging people to be vigilant and report any such cases to police immediately.

Cane cutters at Amar Singh’s canefield at Vunivau, Labasa, yesterday. Photo: SITERI TALEITAKI

By RACHNA LAL

The Reserve Bank of Fiji has noted that our sugar industry has overcome its teething problems and has shown improvement in milling efficiency.
This was highlighted in the central bank’s Economic Review for August released this weel.
“In the first two months of cane crushing, around 700,000 tonnes of cane have been crushed by the mills to produce around 74,000 tonnes of sugar,” the report stated.
The review stated that industry liaison also indicated improved production in mahogany, woodchips and garments.
Moreover, electricity production, an indicator of overall economic activity, rose by 6.7 per cent in the first seven months of the year.
Generally, the review noted that sectoral performances remained mixed and certain sectors continued to perform below potential and face supply constraints.

Gold and fishing concerns
The sectors noting weak performances include gold and fishing.
“Gold production continues to perform poorly and declined by 26.6 per cent in the year to June,” it said.
“However, there are plans for additional capital expenditure at the Vatukoula Mine which should boost output over the medium term.
“Industry liaison reveals that the fishing industry is facing unfavourable weather conditions resulting in declining fish stocks within Fiji’s exclusive economic zone and the Pacific region in the first four months of the year.
“But this is expected to improve in the second half of the year.
“Competition from fishing fleets in international waters outside Fiji’s exclusive zone is also impacting detrimentally on the supply to local processors.”

Domestic economy
Meanwhile, the review said despite the weak global economic environment, the domestic economy is showing resilience and is projected to expand by 3.2 percent this year.
This would be fuelled by robust consumption and investment activity.
It said the outlook for investment is also favourable and is supported by the increased business and investor confidence noted in the RBF’s June Business Expectations Survey.
The merchandise trade deficit (excluding aircraft) widened by 38.2 per cent to $959.9 million in the year to May, compared to the same period in 2012.
Total export earnings (excluding aircraft) fell by 13 per cent led by re-exports, sugar, gold and mineral water.
This more than-offset the increases in garments, fruits and vegetables and other domestic exports.
Import payments (excluding aircraft) rose by 10.4 per cent while retained imports (excluding aircraft), an indicator of domestic demand, surged by 23.3 per cent in the same period.

By RACHNA LAL

Mobil Oil Fiji has confirmed that it is in discussion with the Tappoo Group of Companies to take over the operations of a number of Mobil-owned service stations in Fiji.
Speaking on behalf of Mobil Oil Fiji, business support manager, Yvoneta Singh, said a further announcement regarding this would be made soon.
This follows formal notice from current franchise operator, Carpenters, of their intention to exit from the Mobil service stations.
Mobil Oil Fiji has assured that it remains committed to minimising disruption of services to customers.
“We are working to ensure smooth transition to the new arrangement and to keep the sites operating through this period,” it said.
Carpenters Motors operated 21 Mobil retail service station sites in Fiji under an agreement between the two parties.

Carpenters explains
Carpenters Fiji Limited said their formal agreement for the Mobil retail franchise for the 16 Mobil-owned stations and five Carpenters-owned stations expired earlier this year.
Roger Powell, or Carpenters in response to questions from the Fiji Sun, explained that after several reviews with Mobil, it was agreed that Carpenters would hand the franchise back to Mobil.
He said a new franchisee could then take over the retail fuel operations.
Nevertheless, he said: “Carpenters continues its proud tradition  and close relationship with the Mobil brand.
“This is through Carpenters Motors Mobil Lubricants, the distributor for Mobil Lubricants in Fiji, and Carpenters Motors Distribution, the haulers and distributors of Mobil fuel on Vanua Levu.”

Partnership
Mr Powell said Carpenters Fiji Limited and Mobil Oil have been partners since the turn of the 19th century, with Carpenters representing Vacuum Oil.
“Mobil succeeded that brand,” he said.
“Carpenters has operated a large percentage of the Mobil fuel retail chain, and in the late 1980’s began the transformation from fuel and oil stops to what has become the current retail of fuel and convenience stores concept.”

Fareed: No time for complacency

Fijian Holdings Limited Group chief executive, Nouzab Fareed. Photo: FIJIAN HOLDINGS

By RACHNA LAL

Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) Group recorded consolidated revenue of $233 million for the year ended June 30, 2013.
Group chief executive, Nouzab Fareed, confirmed this was the highest revenue ever recorded by Fijian Holdings which is the largest and most diversified group in Fiji.
This was an increase of 27 per cent compared to the previous financial year when the consolidated revenue was $183 million.
Mr Fareed said almost 75 per cent of the revenue was from RB Patel Group, South Sea Cruises and FHL Media (previously Yasana Holdings Limited).
In fact, RB, South Seas and FHL Media together with Basic Industries have basically account for ¾ FHL revenue.
Meanwhile, the group’s consolidated pre-tax profit was $18.16 million compared to $16.6 million in the previous year.
The holding company recorded a pre-tax profit of $9.8 million, a growth of five per cent from the previous year.
Group chairman, Iowane Naiveli, said the impressive performance despite a difficult year was an indication of the hard work of their people and their business focus.
“FHL’s investment strategy has worked and still we have got some opportunity to grow,” he said.
“Shareholders are content with the net worth of the company has grown by 15 per cent to $202 million.”
Mr Fareed said the group managed to reach their goal despite the difficult year.
“Our total investments of $87 million during the year would reap much higher benefits in the years to come,” he said.

No time for complacency
But despite the good results, Mr Fareed stressed there is no time for the group to be complacent as they still have more to do.
He said fact remained that three group companies namely; Basic Industries Limited, Papua New Guinea-based Pasifika Holdings and FHL Logistics made a total loss exceeding $5.6 million.
“If not for these losses, the group may have achieved pre-tax profit in excess of $23 million,” he said.
“But the most important achievement is that we have been pro-active and taken right strategies to avoid the same in the future.”
Mr Fareed said Basic Industries made a pre-tax loss of $2.8 million compared to $800,000 profit the previous year, which was a big shock for them.

Plans to reverse losses
With these setbacks, Mr Fareed said they now have developed strategies for the three companies which posted losses and are now optimistic to have turnarounds in the coming year.
He said they will be entering into strategic partnerships in Basic Industries and FHL Logistics.
“There is some new partnership in Basic Industries which is all confirmed and we will be announcing soon,” he said.
“Also, within the next three months, we are confident that we will be going into a new partnership for FHL Logistics.
“Pasifika Holdings loss can be avoided with the new land acquisition which we have completed this year in Papua New Guinea.”

Medium term goal
Meanwhile, Mr Fareed said their medium term strategy was to reach a group revenue of $500 million.
“At this stage, we are confident next year, we will be able to get closer to $300 million revenue,” he said.
“We are happy and content but we still should not wait and watch. We could have done much more but we don’t believe in complacency.

Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu (right), shakes the hand of Rara Nacovu Wood Product representative, (left) receiving the Best Forester of the Year award while Goodman Fielder general manager Fiji, Chris Zaayman (middle) looks on. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

Rara Nacovu Wood Products Limited scooped the Best Forester of the Year Award by being named the 2013 Mahogany Woodlot Harvester at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 Awards on Friday.
Claiming one of the show’s four main awards has been a commendable fete for a company that was barely established a year ago in Nukurua, Tailevu.
The company is owned by the landowning Mataqali Rara of Naimasimasi village in Vugalei, Tailevu and was a first time participant at the annual Crest Agriculture Show in Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
Operations manager Josua Seduadua said the weeklong show was a key platform to market and exhibit their services, particularly wood carving, which proved to be a central attraction at Churchill Park.
“Although the company is young, we have managed to purchase a bulldozer, an excavator and a ten-wheeler truck through cash on hand,” Mr Seduadua said.
We have eight employees and the company has gone a long way within a short period of time, and we believe this award has set a benchmark for such a new company,’’ he said.
According to the awards judging panel, the company had been dedicated to carry out operations that lift the economic status of stakeholders in the timber industry.
The company registered and began its own harvesting contracts in April. It cleared a new site for a saw mill to convert its mahogany for marketing and also employs wood carvers.

By SHEIK DEAN

The Lautoka sugar mill has been on a temporary shut down due to a minor problem on one of the mills for cane juice extraction.
Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman Abdul Khan speaking to SUN Business confirmed the mill had shut down Friday afternoon for repair works.
“Engineers are working to replace the bearings…. which is a minor issue and we hope to be operational as soon as possible.”
Mr Khan says it takes four hours to shut down the mill for engineers to access and identify the problem.
The Lautoka Sugar Mill hopes to resume crushing later today.

Cane supply
Harvested cane supply has been on the low at the Lautoka Sugar mill and the FSC together with relevant stakeholders are urging cane farmers and lorry drivers to keep constant supply.
“Constant cane supply is needed to keep the mill operational,’’ Mr Khan says.
“The Lautoka mill had to be shut down four times last week due to the low cane supply.”
He also said machines are stressed out due to unwanted shut downs and could be a possible reason for the bearings giving up on one of the mills.
“It is very unfortunate farmers are not able to keep the constant cane supply.”

Crest Awards
Meanwhile, Mr Khan congratulated Crest Cane Farmer of the Year Dildar Ali of Nadroga for his hard- work in achieving the award.
“This is an excellent way of recognising farmers’ efforts through the Crest Agricultural Show 2013.

Sugar cane Farmer of the Year Dildar Ali (right) with Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive Sundresh Chetty on Friday night. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By SHEIK DEAN

The Crest Agricultural Show 2013 has given more hope to farmers in maintaining their production and is seen as a morale boost for them.
On Friday night at the Girmit Centre Lautoka, Dildar Ali of Cuvu Nadroga was awarded the Crest Cane Farmer of the year.
He was awarded for his hard-work in keeping sugar cane yield from his farm on a high note.
Mr Ali now 62-years-old started farming at the age of 20 after he saw a need to help his family and taking responsibility for his role.
“I have been brought up in a farming family and we rely on farming for a living and we are very proud for being recognised in the agricultural show,” Mr Ali said.
Mr Ali says the key to success was hard-work and the will to go on despite facing difficulties.
“My family members also help me on the farm and apart from cane farming which takes time for maturing hence I harvest cash crops for some extra cash,’’ said Mr Ali.
Ali’s harvest
Mr Ali has for the past three years harvested an average of 466 tonnes of sugar cane from his 6.2 hectares of native farm lease.
And of this farmer, has set a record in cane yield of 75 tonnes per hectare way above of the national average 40 tonnes per hectare from the current dominant variety Mana.
Mr Ali has thanked the Sugar Cane Growers Council and Fiji Sugar Corporation Cuvu Sector office for nominating him for the award.
Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive Sundresh Chetty says Mr Ali is a very hardworking man and this had been shown in his cane yields for the past three years.
“An experienced farmer in sugar cane farming and despite living in the rural area with no electricity and water supply, he surely has defied odds and stayed strong,” Mr Chetty said.

Farm lease
Meanwhile the council will assist Mr Ali in renewing his farm lease as it will soon expire, Mr Chetty said.

From left: Aquaculture Farmer of the Year, Woman in Agriculture of the Year and Best Fisherwoman of the Year, Adi Seini Lebaivalu Young Farmer of the Year Dinesh Nath and Crest Farmer of the Year, Mata Prasad with their spoils at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 Awards night at the Girmit centre in Lautoka on Friday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

Adi Seini Lewaca Lebaivalu was in a league of her own after scooping three titles at the Crest Agriculture Show’s 2013 Awards on Friday evening.
The 26-year-old was the night’s most celebrated winner.
She was named the Aquaculture Farmer of the Year, Woman in Agriculture of the Year and the prestigious Best Fisherwoman of the Year at the Girmit Centre hall in Lautoka.
It was a fitting tribute for an ambitious single woman who refused to join the urban drift but instead set her sights on toiling the land.
As a sixth former of Nasinu Secondary School, she had 3000 yaqona plants planted and moved to Nadave, Tailevu.
This is where she studied leadership and entrepreneurship business at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development Institute.

Operations
She returned to her village of Vusasivo in Cakaudrove where she expanded her farm to cattle, a piggery, three fish ponds, bee and dalo farming.
She also operated a convenience store and a transport business taking students to school.
In 2007 she began her aquaculture business in Vusasivo and today Laucala Island Resort is one of her major clients where she supplies prawns and tilapia from her Waikatakata Farm settlement.
“I saw the difficulties in getting a job in the urban area and took up agriculture because I knew there would be a sure market for my produce- markets are always available at good prices- and I wanted to be by myself and be my own boss,’’ she explains.
Being an only child only strengthened her resolve to support her parents and her beef farm supplies for traditional obligations by fellow villagers during functions.
“My family has always supported me financially and traditionally. This was my first year participating in the Crest Agriculture Show and I challenge other women to strive for the best because whatever men can achieve, women can do also.”

OPINION

By RAVUNI ULUILAKEBA

Investment Fiji CEO

(This  is  one  of  the  series  of  monthly  articles  from  Investment  Fiji  which  will be published by the Fiji Sun. It is aimed  at  creating  awareness  on how to invest in Fiji.)

Investment Fiji CEO Ravuni Uluilakeba

In this segment’s Investment Tips from Investment Fiji, we share information on Investment Opportunities made accessible to those interested in making Fiji their investment destination.
The Government constantly provides support and encouragement to investors by expediting the process of establishing a business in the country and by opening greater windows of opportunities.
With the abundant resources available in Fiji, there is limitless potential for major income earning sectors that can further grow and expand.
We assist our local producers in reaching out to the international market to actively promote and market their goods and services.
We also work closely with potential investors by providing information and assisting them during the investment making process, to assure investors monetary security and sound decision making.
Fiji is known world-wide for her beautiful natural surroundings and warm Fijian hospitality provided in our tourism industry.
This together with our friendly business environment provides investors a profitable and lucrative market to invest in.
Hence, in this month’s Investment Tips, we share with you the incentives that are available in the tourism sector, one of Fiji’s largest income earning sectors.

Investing in the sector

Under the 2009 Foreign Investment Regulations (FIR), Tourism Sector has few requirements that needs to be met by the investors should they wish to undertake the following activity that is listed below.

Tourism (Cultural Heritage)
Any activity involving investment in the cultural heritage of Fiji must have at least $500,000 in owner’s contribution or paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Fiji within the implementation period.
The 2013 budget announcement has made it easier for investors to invest in this sector as the minimum requirement of $250,000 has been waived. Investors can invest any amount of money into this sector.

By LOSIRENE CHAND

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation is catalysing real social change by investing in innovative projects that aspires to solve Fiji’s most pressing problems.
Vodafone Fiji director for Corporate and Business Market, Ronald Prasad, made these comments over the weekend at Savusavu’s first Vodafone Corporate Philanthropy Seminar.
Speaking at the Hotsprings Hotel in Savusavu, Mr Kumar stressed the foundation’s vision was to develop solutions to the problems which are present in Fiji.
Mr Kumar said this year emphasis was with an understanding that a project is only a beginning of social impact and progresses made are evaluated with multiple parties.
“This year, the Foundation is focused on catalytic philanthropy, engaging ourselves with society and participating in advocacy/policy development greatly enhancing the impact of what we try to achieve,” he said.
Mr Kumar said the seminar was a beyond funder programme that aspires to engage corporate help and where possible establish charity alliances of philanthropists.

Project this year

Mr Kumar said earlier this month, Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, donated 40 laptops and internet connections in four schools.
“The aim is to establish collaborative partnership at all levels with relevant stakeholders envisaging positive social change like we have with Savusavu Tourism Association, Town Council, Savusavu Community Foundation and other partners,” he said.

Vodafone Fiji’s Director Corporate and Business Ronald Prasad (left) with Northern mWomen representative Ami Kohli at the Vodafone Corporate Philanthropy Seminar at the Hotsprings Hotel in Savusavu. Photo: LOSIRENE CHAND

OPINION

By KELVIN DAVIS

(Kelvin Davis is the director or Greymouse, a cloud service-provider that supplies high quality, time-bound and cost-efficient services through its own facility in Fiji.)
The heads-up display or HUD’s technology, used to help warplane gunners hit moving targets in World War 2, is able to project information on to a transparent screen in a person’s line of sight.
The screen can be fitted into both a plane and a car. In the case of Robert Downey’s Junior’s character in Iron Man, the HUD is embedded onto his helmet.

http://tinyurl.com/theaustralian-heads-up-road

HUD’s in cars
The HUD in a car basically involves light projecting information on to a transparent screen either:

• In front of the screen;
• Stuck to the screen;
• Embedded within the wind screen. Enabling a driver to get turn-by-turn directions for destination for easy viewing while driving;
• The Head-Up Display (HUD) receives navigation information from the smart phone and projects it onto a transparent film on your windshield or an attached reflector lens;
• HUD automatically adjusts its brightness level, so its projections are clearly visible in direct sunlight or at night;
• It has more navigation detail than other portable display systems, showing turn indicators, distance to the next turn, current speed and speed limit, and estimated time of arrival. HUD lets you know what lane to be in for your next manoeuvre and alerts you if you exceed the speed limit. It also warns you of potential traffic delays and upcoming safety camera locations.

Easy set-up
HUD is easy to set up as users can choose between:

• Displaying navigation information on their windshield, with the included transparent film;
• Or on to the included reflector lens that attaches directly to HUD;
• The device pairs wirelessly with a compatible Bluetooth enabled iPhone, Android phone or Windows Phone 8;
• An integrated USB port on the vehicle power/adapter cable makes it easy to charge the smartphone while driving.

  http://tinyurl.com/youtube-watch-TLCpWPTdd83Rv-FT.

Advantages
Head-up displays are much more than just a novelty or a new way of viewing navigation directions.
If the HUD system is paired with on-board cameras and adaptive cruise control, it could very well be one of the best safety systems your car has ever seen.
1.    A common weather problem that causes major safety hazards for drivers as an example is a fog and with the Newer HUD systems, infrared cameras can be used to detect where the lines on the road are and project them on the windshield exactly where they appear in real life.
2.    The same can be done to display a car ahead of you that you can’t see. The HUD system will use cameras and GPS to locate the car and then display an image of it on your windshield, complete with information about its distance from your vehicle.
3.    It will also be able to show you how to maneuver around another car to avoid an accident or other road hazards. Some adaptive cruise control systems already make safety calculations to determine the best route for a car around a certain situation.

http://tinyurl.com/howstuffworks-car-head-up-htm

Disadvantages
1.    Evolving very soon into some kind of portable multimedia that will be able to read your email while driving, though seeing an email directly on the windshield may be safer, it is still a big distraction.
2.    Voice or flashing text could also be distracting for someone driving, because you may want to focus on what the person says or on what the flashing is about.
3.    The optical system that projects your data is complicated and therefore the light efficiency is low.

http://tinyurl.com/streetdirectory-technology-up

Scheduled to be released later this summer, the HUD’s displays currently have their place in select high-end cars, but HUD makes this technology available as an aftermarket accessory for any vehicle at a very affordable price.

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

Educational confinements failed to deter the aspirations of Taveuni resident, Mata Prasad, who was named the overall Crest Farmer of the Year at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 Awards on Friday night.
It was a double celebration for the 62-year-old, who also took home the Yaqona Farmer of the Year Award.
He happily joined close to 40 other awardees for a colorful ceremony that marked the contribution of Fijian farmers at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka.
Mr Prasad said he was pleased with the recognition received, particularly after decades spent farming the land to support his wife and three children.
The Delaivuna-farmer only attained education at primary school level and worked as a copra cutter.
He spent his savings on a parcel of land at Waimaqera, Taveuni, for farming, including dalo, before adding another 17 acres of freehold land for his yaqona trade.
Despite financial constraints, a loan from the Fiji Development Bank assisted his goals of planting 10,000 yaqona plants annually.
To date, he has over 60,000 yaqona plants with over 50 acres of land that he hopes to cover with yaqona.

Crest Farmer of the year, Mata Prasad (left) receives his prize from Goodman Fielder general manager Fiji, Chris Zaayman (middle) and Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 Awards night on Friday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Young Farmer of the Year, Devesh Prashneil Nath (left) receives his prize from Goodman Fielder general manager Fiji, Chris Zaayman at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 Awards night on Friday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

Twenty-four-year-old Devesh Prashneil Nath’s commitment in the agriculture sector is a sign that there is still hope for Fiji in this critical sector in the future.
In 2008, he attained a Diploma in Business Studies from the-then Fiji Institute of Technology (now Fiji National University).
Mr Nath then ventured into the agriculture sector after seeing the huge potential this industry could offer.
With two tractors, a van, green-house sheds and a handful of hired labourers to assist on close to 15 hectares of sprawling fertile land, he is today the proud owner of Devesh Bharos Farms.

Award recipient
Mr Nath scooped the Young Farmer of the Year award at the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 awards function in Lautoka on Friday night.
He grew up in Sigatoka’s famous Salad Bowl valley and was a first time participant at the Agriculture Show, adding to a memorable Crest Agriculture Show Week at Churchill Park.
Mr Nath said he had grown up in an agricultural environment.
“My father was a bio-security officer and I felt inspired by him and was quite familiar with farming practices,” he said.
“However, I really did not expect this award and am quite pleased.”
Joining him to celebrate on Friday was proud sister Priya Darshani, while his award was sponsored by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).
SPC agro-forest technician, Vinesh Prasad, said they were pleased to support Mr Nath.
He said his achievements would entice other youths to consider a lucrative career path in farming.

Overcoming challenges
Like any business, Mr Nath has his share of challenges but like an optimist, he is trying hard to overcome those obstacles.
“One of the recently challenges includes Cyclone Evan past December, which was a difficult time for all farmers in the West,” he said.
“But you have to try and overcome those obstacles and keep striking for gold.”
Mr Nath is also a member of the Fiji Papaya Project.
Seedlings from his farms at Savolau, Nadi, are supplied for export as well as to a number of non-government organisations.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest Lt Col Inia Seruiratu (left) and Dr Ganesh Chand (right) take a tour around the facility. Photo: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

Source: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

Fiji has a lot of potential to develop its primary industries to make our country self-sufficient and increasing volume, quantity, quality and mix of our export products, says Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu.

He made the comment while opening the Fiji National University Farm in Navua on Monday.

In line with the Government’s efforts to improve the performance of the resource based sectors, the University complements these efforts with its five colleges including the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests.

University Chand Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh said it is a great moment as they take the University forward in which the Government has required them to do since its establishment.

Dr Ganesh said over a period of time, they felt that agriculture has lost its sense, thus they had to take the initiative to play a lead role in establishing this as an industry by having such a college that can aspire students and also cater for their relevant training needs.

“Today we are proud to say that we have more than 800 students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests of the University,” he said.

The UniFarm is made up of a piece of land with more than 200 acres. It’s diversified with potential to be developed further.

By RACHNA LAL and LITIA MATHEWSELL

The Fiji Sugar Corporation has drawn US$6.295 million (FJ$11.97 million) from the existing EXIM Bank of India facilities to address some of the issues with the mill upgrade programme.
Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, confirmed this.
He said: “The money is being used to put right some issues associated with the initial mill upgrade programme.”
As for the repayment of the loan, Mr Khan said the full loan is expected to be paid back in 10 years after the moratorium period has expired.
He said the interest rate on the original loan is just under two per cent per annum.

Lautoka Mill resumes crushing
Meanwhile, crushing of cane has resumed at the Lautoka Mill following a brief shutdown.
The mill was shut for almost a week for repair works and resumed over the weekend.
Mr Khan confirmed that after bypassing one of the juice extraction mills, they had started processing sugar cane on Sunday.

Progress despite challenges
Mr Khan noted that they are making good progress, especially with gains in cane processing efficiency.
He however stressed the corporation was also facing challenges with the low supply of cane, which is needed to keep the mills operations.
Mr Khan said that although this is a problem faced at all their four mills around the country, it is quite prominent at the mills in Lautoka and Penang, in Rakiraki.
He said the consistent supply of sugarcane was a challenge that affected crushing.
“We will need to critically review our harvesting and delivery practices and implement changes to improve this as we progress through this season and in the future,” Mr Khan said.
To date 873,000 tonnes of sugarcane has been processed and 95,000 tonnes of sugar made.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The Denarau Boat Show that was earmarked for November of this year has been shifted to September 2014.
The move came after various consultations with stakeholders in the marine industry.
Spearheaded by Denarau Corporation Limited, a committee has been formed with the industry stakeholders to strategise on a positive way forward for this growing industry.
The inaugural Denarau Boat Show was held in November last year with over 4000 people attending the three-day event that was held at the Port Denarau Marina.
Denarau Corporation Marketing, Events and Corporate Communications executive, Losana McGowan, said they decided on September as this was the busiest period for Port Denarau which plays host to some of the world’s super yacht.
“The inclusion of the marine industry stakeholders ensures that they take ownership of this event,” she said.
“Working together with them will not only drive this event in a positive direction but it will ensure the success of this event as a yearly Denarau event that will drive the tourists to Fiji in numbers for years to come.”