The government has launched a major initiative aimed at reducing the import of potatoes by 6.25 percent in the first year and help save an estimated $5.3 million.

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched its potato farming program in Navai, Nadarivatu, yesterday as part of its "import substitution programme".

Minister for Agriculture and Primary Industries Joketani Cokanasiga said with imports standing at $17 million of potatoes annually, it was government's every intention to reduce it drastically.

Cokanasiga said through government’s import substitution programme, they hope to reduce this figure in the next year or so.

He said the ministry's strategic plan highlights that they begin the cultivation of potato this year and reduce the import of potato by $5.3 million annually, which means cultivation of 442 hectares of potato.

Potato farming will be concentrated in the Western Division namely Nadroga/Navosa, Ba, Ra and Colo North provinces.

Cokanasiga said these famers are earmarked to produce 100 tonnes of marketable potatoes this year and help reduce import by 6.25 percent in the first year.

The aim is to increase production by fivefold next year and reduce imports by 31 percent, to help achieve $5.3 million of savings.

Cokanasiga urged farmers and all stakeholders to work together to ensure the venture is sustained for the benefit of the nation.