Cash Crop Farmer Banks On Government Help
42-year-old father of two is among hundreds of farmers who submitted their applications
Suriya Naidu says he is relying on Government assistance to revive his 13.5 acre cash crop farm in Solovi, Nadi, which was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Josie
The 42-year-old father of two was among hundreds of farmers who submitted their applications for the Farms – CARE Assistance at the Ministry of Agriculture office in Nadi yesterday.
The assistance is an initiative from Government to assist farmers affected by recent Tropical Cyclones Josie and Keni.
All livestock farmers under this initiative will get free feed and replacement fencing to help cover any damage to farms and recoup the value of lost heads of livestock sustained due to severe weather along with clearing of debris.
“Apart from my normal job, I am also a cash crop farmer and I’ve been in the business ever since childhood. Today (yesterday) I came to submit my application and I am going to accept any assistance that Government will give to me,” Mr Naidu said.
He added that in a good week he would earn around $300 in one harvest.
“All my vegetables were ready for harvest, but unfortunately that didn’t happen because of TC Josie, it was really heartbreaking for me because I had lost around $10,000,” Mr Naidu said.
“I just want to advise anyone receiving this assistance not to abuse it and make the most of Government assistance to upgrade their lives.”