'Fiji Red' Papaya: Progress and Prospects in Developing a Major Agriculture Diversification Industry

Papaya has become Fiji's most important horticultural export commodity and offers the prospect of becoming a major industry. Papaya exports have grown from just 30 tonnes in 1996 to over 800 tonnes in 2007. Exports of 'Fiji Red' papaya are currently to New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. It is likely that these exports will soon include the United States. The domestic market based on tourism has also been important. The rapid expansion of the industry was made possible through the presence of an industry owned high temperature forced air chamber (HTFA) located at the international airport. The overall demand for Fiji papaya is estimated at around 4,500 tonnes, which would provide direct livelihoods for some 400 rural households. Meeting this demand depends on Fiji farmers being able to produce sufficient volumes of high quality red flesh fruit and overcoming a number of key production and post harvest issues. Furthermore, significantly increased growth and long term viability of the industry will only be achieved through maintaining the image of the 'Fiji Red' brand and the development of sea freight technology for fresh papaya.