Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Ropate Ligairi with copies of the 53rd volume of the Fiji Agriculture Journal. Photo: UMENDRA PRATAP
By SHEIK DEAN
The revival of the once reputable agriculture journals in the Pacific region marks yet another milestone achievement for the agricultural sector, says Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Ropate Ligairi.
The Fiji Agriculture Journal’s value was enormous he said at its launch at the Tanoa International Hotel Nadi on Friday.
This is the journal’s 53rd volume since its last publication in 1996.
“The revival of this journal will not only contribute to the reform process of sharing knowledge and information but also supporting and enhancing a knowledgeable society,” Mr Ligairi noted.
“The role of the journal is to publish scientific articles, invited commentary/insight papers, state of the art review articles, short notes, book reviews, conference reports, and a calendar of forthcoming events in the agricultural field.,’’ Mr Ligairi said.
He said this sharing of knowledge, ideas and evidence of research by experts is essential in this time and age.
The journal documents findings within Fiji and the Pacific region.
He added that Government was committed and dedicated to serve the people of Fiji and work hand-in-hand with various agencies.
These include international, regional organisations and non-state sectors.
Other achievements
“Few of the milestones to mention are the Ministry of Agriculture signing the MOU to enhance agricultural research for development with Papua New Guinea’s pioneer research organisation the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI).
“Also the first ever National Agriculture Sector policy document has been drafted through the kind assistance of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO).”
The journals will be distributed around Fiji in various libraries to share the findings and knowledge.
From 2014, Mr Ligairi said two issues would be published each year and thanked the various contributors to the journal.