Fiji's Exports
p. 77 · Read in the full issue
Two Dry Seasons Cut
FIJI’S drop in agricultural exports in 1954 was due mainly to the effects of two consecutive dry years, states the annual report of the Agriculture Department, re viewing the department’s 50th year of operations.
Increased planting of sugarcane and bananas was insufficient to off set the influence of the dry weather, the report continues. (In 1954, the Colony’s domestic exports totalled £1,731,177 — £27,837 below the 1953 figure).
The agriculture report states that good progress has been made to wards the establishment of a cocoa industry in Fiji. In 1954, two cocoa nurseries were established in addition 19 J the original nursery at the Naduruloulou Station. Approxi mately 100 acres of cacao have been planted with material from the nurseries. Two more nurseries are planned.
Many farm operations in Fiji are being mechanised, and there are now nearly 700 tractors in agri cultural use— a surprising number ioi a relatively small territory.