Currently under the jurisdiction of Taveuni, the island administrator argues that Rabi’s potential is being stifled by a lack of localized resources.

Rabi Island has the potential for commercial farming but needs a dedicated agriculture office with its own funding to unlock opportunities, the island's administrator says.

Iakoba Karutake is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to strengthen its presence on Rabi instead of keeping the island under Taveuni's jurisdiction.

"We have potential," Mr Karutake said.

"We just need for Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen their team here. For Rabi to have an agriculture on its own. For Rabi to have funding of its own. Not to be under Taveuni."

The administrator said Rabi needs senior agriculture officers, vehicles and equipment similar to other areas in Fiji.

"We have the population, workers, and the land," he said.

Mr Karutake said the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has already conducted assessments on the island, with teams from Suva evaluating sites for agricultural projects.

While kava is currently the main income source for island residents, Rabi Island wants to diversify into dalo, cassava and ginger farming.

"We want our people to go into dalo farming. We want our people to go into cassava farming," Mr Karutake said.

However, agricultural expansion is linked to infrastructure improvements, particularly shipping routes.

Mr Karutake is pushing for a franchise route connecting Suva-Savusavu-Taveuni-Rabi instead of the current northeast route through Labasa.

"That route doesn't suit Rabi," he said, noting passengers cannot use the current service.

The administrator said the proposed route would boost economic activity and attract middlemen to buy produce directly from farmers.

Source - https://fijisun.com.fj