Fiji imports $19 million worth of potatoes annually however the Agriculture Ministry is hoping that within the next three to five years, Fiji will not have to rely on importing potatoes for local consumption.

Agriculture Permanent Secretary Colonel Mason Smith said Fiji’s import food import bill stands at more than $350 million, and within the next three to five years their Ministry is hoping to bring this figure down with their import substitution program.

Smith said programs are already running on schedule, with areas identified for potato farming.