Dr Jemesa Tudravu, left, with the Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary Dr Andrew Tukana. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU (Fiji Times)

Business, Local News, News | Published: May 8, 2024 | Last Updated: May 8, 2024 | By Timoci Vula

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is seeking an increase in its budgetary allocation for the 2024-25 financial year.

Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways permanent secretary Dr Andrew Tukana said the ministry had prepared and submitted a submission for AMA to the Ministry of Finance.

He did not reveal the amount sought saying “there is a figure there but it is still with them (Finance Ministry)”.

He said they would reveal the figure after confirmation from the Finance Ministry.

“But that money is to help them (AMA) with their operations and also with their capital projects,” Dr Tukana told this newspaper.

“It is an increase from last year.”

Dr Tukana said the increase was driven by the much-needed overhaul and renewal of existing infrastructure.

“Most of the infrastructure that you see is quite old so they need to overhaul those. And they also need to put (collection) centres where they can have a further reach for the people in remote areas,” he said.

AMA that trades as Fiji Agromarketing facilitates the purchase, sale and export of agro and aqua produce to stimulate economic growth within rural, remote and maritime communities.

Dr Tukana said over the years, it had been supported by the ministry through its yearly budgetary grant allocations that allow AMA to remain afloat and expand.

The agriculture ministry was allocated $95.2million in the 2023-2024 budget.