Farmers in flooded farms assisted
Seeds, planting materials, feeds and medication for livestock donated to them.
The Ministry of Agriculture has donated seeds, planting materials, feeds and medication for livestock to farmers affected by TD04F in the Central, Eastern, Northern and Western divisions.
Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said the majority of the farmers are from the Central Division.
“Distribution of seeds has already been done and some of them are on their way.
“It will be with the local farmers and the Ministry is willing to assist immediately,” he said.
He told the Fiji Sun that the farmers must co-ordinate with the Ministry, because the Ministry cannot distribute the materials unless the fields are ready. Therefore, he said a time frame cannot be given. “There is no use in planting the materials now when the land is not ready,” he said.
In addition, he says the prices in the market are based on the supply and demand chain.
“It is expected that price will be increased for awhile as the recovery work is on-going until it stabilises and then drop once we have more supply available,” he said. He said vegetables take three months while root crops take six to 12 months to harvest. Theft from open farms is beyond the Ministry of Agriculture’s control.
“It is beyond the Ministry’s control with theft occurring. “We hope that people who are responsible for the law enforcement will take our concerns seriously,” Mr Seruiratu said. Edited by Paula Tuvuki
Distribution of seeds has already been done and some of them are on their way. It will be with the local farmers and the Ministry is willing to assist immediately. Inia Seruiratu Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management