The European Union and the Government of Australia have jointly helped support the first ever commercial mud crab business in Fiji.
The Crab Company (Fiji) Ltd. began operations in 2011, and celebrated the launch of its new and improved farming and processing facilities in Navua on 18 February.
The facilities are expected to help the business increase production and better serve the market demands for Fiji’s mud crabs.
The European Union-provided support came from the Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade (IACT) project implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Australian Government through the Market Development Facility (MDF).
Speaking at the launch, both donors described the event as a significant development for the aquaculture industry in the country and applauded the company's progress since it began operations.
Deputy Australian High Commissioner, Karinda D’Aloisio said, “Today’s event is significant, not only as the official launch of the Crab Company of Fiji’s farm and facilities in Navua, but the beginning of a new commercial mud-crab industry for the country. This is an industry that will help to improve income opportunities for local women and families dependent on the mangroves for their livelihood.”
MDF’s assistance has focused on improving hatchery production, rehabilitation and construction of new crab ponds, and piloting of the new grow-out mangrove pens while EU assistance has focused on capacity building, processing and packaging training and equipment.
Currently, the business supplies over a dozen local hotels and restaurants, and is exploring exporting opportunities to larger overseas markets in the future. It also plans to demonstrate the grow-out scheme to interested villages and coastal communities.
