Fijian eggplants rejected due to disease
Last year, Fiji exported 500 tonnes of eggplant to New Zealand alone.
The eggplant disease has increased over the last 3 months and researchers are trying to identify the cause. With a long list of possible causes of the disorder, a series of research trials has been designed to try and pinpoint the most probable cause. This includes rates of fertiliser, harvest maturity and variety selection.
"In response to this issue, the Ministry of Agriculture's research division has formed a Fiji eggplant disorder research taskforce to look into the possible causes and provide the industry with some mitigating strategies." This taskforce comprises personnel from the Agriculture Ministry's research and extension division, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Nature's Way Cooperative, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and exporters' representatives.
The head of the cooperative, a Nadi-based company that treated export produce, said exporters had been seriously affected by the disorder. It also affects supplying farmers.
