Fiji's Farmer Training on Small Ruminant Husbandry and Management has been launched to boost sheep and goat production, reduce meat imports and strengthen rural livelihoods.

The training was launched at the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, bringing together 10 aspiring livestock farmers.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna linked the program to the Government's livestock and import substitution goals.

"Every additional sheep and goat raised locally represents another step towards reducing our dependence on imported meat while creating new income opportunities for our farmers," he said.

Participants will receive training in animal husbandry, breeding, nutrition, pasture development, animal health, record-keeping and business management.

The training also covers climate-smart livestock production, including agroforestry systems using fodder trees such as Calliandra, Gliricidia and Leucaena.

Farmers will learn how sheep and goats can graze beneath coconut plantations and fruit orchards to reduce weed management costs and naturally fertilise soil.

The program is also aimed at strengthening rural employment pathways.

"Small ruminant farming provides an excellent opportunity for young people to build successful agribusinesses while remaining in their communities," Mr Tunabuna said.

"At the same time, empowering women with technical livestock skills strengthens household incomes, improves family nutrition and contributes to stronger rural economies."

The launch follows a week-long Feed Formulation Training for the Pacific, where agricultural officers, researchers and livestock professionals were trained in animal nutrition, feed formulation and the FeedAccess Online Feed Formulation App.

The feed training focused on local resources such as cassava, copra meal, fish meal and agricultural by-products as lower-cost alternatives.

Mr Tunabuna said feed accounts for between 65 and 75 per cent of livestock production costs, making feed formulation skills important for productivity and profitability.

The programs form part of efforts to improve food security, reduce imports and build a more sustainable livestock sector.