MINISTER REDDY CONTINUES NORTH TOUR
More than 40 farmers in Vanua Levu received goat fencing assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday.
Minister Mahendra Reddy said the handover followed requests from farmers during a
talanoa session he conducted at Natabe earlier this year.
“This is a follow up meeting to the earlier meeting held in Natabe where I promised you that we will provide you with the fencing materials to fulfill your and our objectives of promoting livestock production in this country,” Mr Reddy said.
“There are three sub-sector livestock production that we are actively promoting, that is; beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep because of the consumption.
“Livestock farming is an integral part of agriculture, providing for both income and food security to households throughout Fiji. “There is a large demand for sheep and goat meat for domestic consumption and cultural uses.
“As most farmers rely on this commodity as their main source of livelihood, it warrants government’s increased attention and support and in return for farmers interests and consistent efforts in sustaining their farms.
Each farmer received an eight coil goat fence (4ft x 50m), 19 Pine posts (1.8m x 100m), and 3kg U nails.
Satendra Lal a livestock farmer in Natabe said he was very grateful for the assistance. “On behalf of the farmers in Natabe, I would like to thank the Government for the assistance right after our Diwali celebration which would bring good fortune to us,” Mr
Lal said.
From Nadogo, Sekove Taura said the assistance was a big help to him as it would further develop his livestock farm.
He currently has 17 female goats and two male goats which would multiply next year and the market was available which was confirmed by Mr Reddy.
Meanwhile, the handover was held at Natabe in Macuata.
Foot crossing opened in Naseakula
Mr Reddy also opened a new foot-crossing at Nasekula, Labasa yesterday.
Mr Reddy said that it was the first footcrossing to be completed out of the 52 footcrossings to be constructed by Government. “The project that we have done is a small project but it matters a lot as it will make a difference to you, your children, mothers who were affected by the quality of the crossing and by the absence of the crossing,” Mr Reddy said.
“I want to assure you in terms of protecting and securing our communities, our villages, our settlements.
“I would like to thank you for your perseverance and also the turaga ni koro for raising the issue with our Waterways team about the crossing here and it is a happy day for us to have completed the work,” he said. Mr Reddy had also promised to complete two more foot-crossings in the village before Christmas.
Meanwhile, a mother, Susana Mau said she was grateful as the foot-crossing would help the children who use the route to travel to and from school on foot.