PM RABUKA HONOURS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HON.RAYALU-(21-06-2025)

"Minister Rayalu's passing leaves a void, but his legacy is one of light and guidance. To his beloved family-we thank you for sharing this man with us. His strength came from his roots, and you were always at the heart of his service."

"To the people of Fiji-especially our farmers, workers, and civil servants-let us not allow his lessons to fade. Let us carry them forward."

This was highlighted by the Priem Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka while delivering a tribute on behalf of the Fiji Government and the people of Fiji to the late Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Tidara Tuinasakea Kaunitawake Rayalu, at his homecoming service held in Suva yesterday (20.05.25).

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described the late Mr. Rayalu as a leader whose loss is not only deeply felt by those closest to him but also by the institutions he served, the communities he touched, and the future he worked so faithfully to secure for the nation.

"From his earliest days in public service, it was clear that Vatimi Rayalu did not view his work as just a job-he saw it as a calling. From 1991 to 1995, he served as an Agricultural Assistant in our Ministry of Agriculture's Research Divisions-working in the fields and laboratories at Naduruloulou, Wainigata, and Mua. These years laid the foundation for his deep passion for development and serving farming communities."

"His career was marked by a steady and admirable rise-always driven by merit, dedication, and humility. In 2008, he became Principal Agricultural Officer. He would go on to serve as Director of the Land Resource Division, Director of Crop Extension, and, by 2018, as Chief Economist in the Ministry. His final civil service role before entering political life was as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Corporate Services-an appointment that reflected the trust and esteem in which he was held."

Under his leadership, Prime Minister Rabuka further stated, the Ministry launched the $2 million Commercial Agriculture Development Programme, which empowered processors and exporters to expand their capacity and improve storage, processing, and export infrastructure. One exporter alone increased capacity from 300 to 450 tonnes-a testament to his push for agribusiness transformation.

"He unveiled the Agro Marketing Authority's Strategic Plan (2024-2026)-a bold blueprint to strengthen market coordination, food safety, and sustainable value chains. Over $18 million in support was disbursed through AMA to more than 5,000 farmers. He understood that economic growth must be rooted in dignity, and he championed fair and transparent systems that empowered producers across the country."

"One of Minister Rayalu's greatest contributions was the foundation he laid for lasting change. He spearheaded the Ministry's 5-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028). He institutionalised gender-responsive budgeting, set up a Gender Mainstreaming Action Group, expanded mechanisation, and initiated financial literacy training for farmers."

"He launched the Farmer Savings Scheme because he believed no farmer should be left behind in financial planning or access to resources. He was building more than policy-he was building people, systems, and culture."

Minister Rayalu also strengthened Fiji's agricultural diplomacy through partnerships with Papua New Guinea, Australia, China, the European Union, FAO, SPC, and others-bringing vital tools, equipment, and expertise to support Fijian farmers and researchers.

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