Farmers Praise Government’s Swift Response
‘This ration is a great help and will sustain us for the time being.’
ASigatoka Valley farmers are grateful for the swift response from Government agencies in delivering food rations to families affected by TC Keni. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum led a team to the Sigatoka Valley yesterday and also assessed damage to farms and crops.
In the same breath, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and his team assessed the damage caused by TC Kenion affected farms in the area. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also had consultation with some farmers who had issues with the agricultural office.
Hirdesh Adar, 30, a farmer who farms on 10 acres of land in Bilalevu, recalled how his farm and his hard work was destroyed. “All is gone, my pawpaw plants and eggplants,” he said.
“Nearly everything we had to our name is lost but we have to wait for three months to get back on our feet once again.
“This ration is a great help and will sustain us for the time being.
“The A-G also assured there will be more agriculture assistance coming our way.” Muni Raj, who is diabetic, was not able to save a lot of things except groceries and white goods.
Four people in the family took refuge at his brother, Nilesh Kumar’s home, which was a stone’s throw away. Part-time farmer Joave Kunadei, 28, of Loma Settlement thanked the Government. “We plant cassava and eggplant in our farms which is our source of income and the fast assistance by Government to solve our issues is highly appreciated.” Farmer Aeron Aziz Ram, 33 said: “We are happy for the help given by the government as our livelihoods rest on our farms yield.”,