A new variety of potato has been launched by the Agriculture Ministry.
While launching the 2017 potato farming season at Natadola on Friday, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Viam Pillay said the local potato variety "Red Pontiac" was bred locally and is well suited to grow in Fiji's tropical climate.
"The government is determined to reduce the potato import bill while meeting local demand and this is the first Fijian variety that has been trialled and planted in farms around the country.
"This variety is suitable for your climate and we hope that by the end of the year we will have many farmers who can earn a living through the sale of the produce."
According to Mr Pillay, the new variety would be available at agricultural offices around the country.
source: fijitimes.com
