M.A.F Sector Plan Launched
Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio with Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt at the launch.
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5 FM / Anetone Sagaga
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has now officially launched their sector plan on Thursday this week. The running duration for the project is visualised and set for the financial year 2022/23 -2026/27.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt in his speech highlighted the vitality of his Ministry's vision.
This follows the sustainability for food and nutrition, income security and resilience as part of their goals
"This government of Samoa the importance of Agriculture and Fisheries as the backbone of an inclusive economy and enhancing the economic resilience of its citizens" says Laauilalemalietoa during the
formalities.
"We are going to make this project one of the highest priority of the Government," he added.
The five main outcomes which the project aims to achieve are nutrition and food sustainability of aquaculture and agriculture , food and nutritional security increase , rural transformation fostered ,
private sector capacity improved and lastly the strengthening of the enabling environment for the sector development.
In an exclusive interview by EyeSpy and Laauialemalietoa regarding the possibility of Samoa to produce its own products and not rely on international imports.
The Minister answered " Yes , it is part of our plan and hence why the project is being launched.
Laauli then went on and mentioned that the vision is to decrease importation and increase exportation for Samoa. With this being said , he mentioned that Samoa is capable of growing its own food, especially
meat. "Soon we won't be proceeding with the importations of meat for Samoa , but we will produce our own," he said ambitiously on Thursday this week.
The launching ceremony was held at the Taumeasina Island Resort where Government officials and branches of the Ministry were present.
Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, who officially launched the project in a ribbon ceremony and acted on behalf of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa who is currently in NZ for medical reasons.
The Ministry also launched a booklet designed that explains the core aspect of the project and timeliness of its work.