As part of his official visit to Fiji, where he opened the SIDS Solutions Forum 2024, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visited sugar cane farms and the China-Pacific Islands Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center for mushroom cultivation, which uses a type of grass rather than the traditional logs or sawdust as a base.

Accompanied by Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways of Fiji, Tomasi N. Tunabuna, the Director-General visited two sugar cane farms. The first is run by 77-year-old Mr Kaniappa, who received a new lease on the farm and was able to harvest 167 tonnes in 2024. To maximize his farm output, he planted 0.8 ha in 2024, intercropped with watermelon and beans, improving both food and income security.

The FAO Delegation visited a second farm, operated by Sanjay Nandan, a computer technician and graphic designer by profession. He started sugar cane farming 15 years ago and has innovatively adopted an integrated mixed farming system, raising sheep, ducks, chickens, goats and cows. In addition, he maintains a blanket trash cover contributing to climate change mitigation strategies.

The Director-General emphasized the importance of establishing and refining a comprehensive mechanism that includes policies, production, storage, and logistics, aiming to standardize this mechanism for broader application. He also highlighted the need to enhance government information sharing and transparency to boost productivity while maintaining product quality.