SUVA, FIJI — The importance of plant health, sustainable agriculture, and scientific research was strongly emphasised during the International Day of Plant Health celebrations.
The Fiji National University (FNU) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the sector.
Speaking at the event, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the critical role research and innovation play in addressing national and global challenges linked to agriculture and plant health.
Professor Nabobo-Baba said researchers across the University were actively contributing to areas closely connected to plant health and national development.
“Across the University, our researchers are actively engaged in areas such as food security, food loss reduction, climate change resilience, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity protection, and biosecurity,” she said.
“These are issues that are interconnected with plant health and national development.”
She added that FNU remains committed to supporting national priorities through research, technical expertise, and innovation.
“At FNU, we stand ready to contribute through research, innovation, training, and technical expertise. Plant health is one area where our partnership can grow even stronger,” Professor Nabobo-Baba stated.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna also acknowledged the important contribution tertiary institutions make towards strengthening Fiji’s agriculture sector.
Minister Tunabuna said institutions such as FNU, particularly the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, play a vital role in advancing plant health research and developing practical solutions for farmers and industry stakeholders.
“Institutions such as the Fiji National University, particularly the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, play a central role in generating scientific evidence, advancing plant health research, and developing practical solutions for farmers and industry,” he said.
He stressed that research into pest biology, disease management, sustainable crop production, and climate-related impacts was essential in helping Fiji transition from reactive agricultural responses to more informed and proactive systems.
“Research into pest biology, disease dynamics, sustainable crop production, climate influences, and practical management options allows us to move from reactive responses to informed and anticipatory systems,” Minister Tunabuna said.
The Minister further highlighted the university’s responsibility in developing the next generation of agricultural professionals who will support Fiji’s long-term food security and biosecurity goals.
“Equally important is the role of the university in building national capability. The professionals who will lead Fiji’s future in plant protection, biosecurity, diagnostics, and agricultural development are being trained here,” he said.
“A strong agriculture sector depends not only on policy and systems, but on skilled people who can implement them effectively.”
The event reinforced the growing partnership between FNU and the Ministry of Agriculture, with both institutions recognising the need for stronger collaboration in research, innovation, and workforce development to support Fiji’s agricultural resilience and sustainable future.
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Acting Chief Executive Officer, Surend Pratap said that its daily work plays a critical role in keeping Fiji safe from invasive pests and in supporting resilient food systems.
“As we move forward, let us remember that it is everyone’s responsibility to raise awareness on the importance of healthy plants and encouraging the adoption of responsible behaviours across society,” Mr Pratap said.
