By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The Crest Agriculture Show 2013 officially starts in Lautoka today.
The show is expected to be bigger and better than last year’s very successful show, which was also held in Lautoka.
Principal Agriculture Officer Nacanieli Takele said there had been a huge increase in people interested in setting up their booths at this year’s event.
More than 100 booths have already been set up, an increase of more than 15 from last year.
Mr Takele said there had been persistent requests for more booths to be allowed, but had to be turned down.
“We are overwhelmed by the interest people and companies have shown in this year’s event. We could not facilitate everyone, however, we are hoping that people turn up in numbers to witness the Fijian agriculture, fisheries and forestry departments at one stop,” Mr Takele said.
Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu said the theme for this year’s show as focused on building Fiji on a strong agriculture sector.
“This year’s show will provide the opportunity to discuss, exchange views, identify practical and effective ways and means on how we could lessen the threat or impact of the factors causing food insecurity.
The weeklong programme will see on display giant clams of Makogai, peacock, floral display amongst other interesting.
Naming rights sponsors, Crest- Goodman Fielder Asia Pacific general manager Fiji Chris Zaayman said through their sponsorship, their objective was to support and help promote the agriculture industry in Fiji.
This is the fourth consecutive years that the company has had the naming rights to the show.
“The annual Crest Agriculture show has grown significantly over the past years, creating more interest and awareness on the local food available for consumption for families of Fiji and in the tourism sector.
“This underpins Government’s initiatives to promote ‘Buy Fijian Grown’ campaign.”
The show begins with a march led by the Fiji Police Bank.
Gyaneshwar Singh of Ministry of Fisheries shows a piece of what to expect for the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA