Unusual visitors arrive at airport
1-May-2008 11:24 AM

AN unusual group of visitors jetted into the country at the Nadi International airport onboard Air New Zealand flight NZ 054 on Monday night.

In what is believed to be the first of its kind, 66 live boer goats have been imported from Australia for farming and breeding purposes in Tabia, Labasa.

Air New Zealand Cargo Sales Manager Pradip Singh said he was approached by the former interim Minister for Agriculture, Jainend Kumar, in 2007 to facilitate the carriage of these special goats after having difficulties securing other air carriers.

“I spoke to the ministry of agriculture, forest and fisheries of New Zealand to seek transit clearance before informing our Australian counterparts of the proposed carriage,” Singh said.

Singh said it took him almost six months to facilitate all necessary paper work in order to fly the goats over to Fiji from Australia en route Auckland.

“Air New Zealand is very responsive to agricultural needs of our customers and we promote such projects.”

“We are always ready to assist customers with their imports and exports as it contributes towards the economic growth of Fiji,” Singh concluded.

These special goats are believed to be the best meat goats in the world and its meat is much tastier when compared to other species.

The goats have been imported by Palmlea Farms of Tabia in Labasa for breeding and distribution purpose with the assistance of the agriculture ministry and stake holders.

Joseph Smelser of Palmlea Farms said boer goats are the best meat goats in the world and the successive farming and growth of these species would help reduce food costs in Fiji.

“According to our survey, goat meat is the highest consumed meat food in the world having a 63 per cent consumption worldwide when compared with other meat products,” Smelser added.

Smelser says a fully grown boer goat can weigh up to 150 kilogrammes while local goats do not exceed the 40kg weight limit.



By SHALENDRA PRASAD