FCDCL assists dairy farmers amid pandemic
THE Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Ltd (FCDCL) is supporting dairy farmers during the pandemic to ensure milk production is not impacted in lockdown areas.
According to the FCDCL chief executive officer Kushmendra Prasad they were working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade and Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the dairy farmers were able to continue providing milk for the nation.
“We want milk production to increase, despite the pandemic. COVID-19 should not affect milk production in lockdown areas,” said Mr Prasad.
“Dairy farmers in lockdown areas like Sawani-Serea can access emergency supplies of feed supplements.
“The dairy farmers can now access feed (Dairy Mash and Calf Grower) for half the value, as FCDCL has been rolling out the subsidy program in partnership with Fiji Dairy Ltd.
“Farmers in lockdown areas can arrange to take delivery of supplies from FCDCL chilling centres and FCDCL can even supply at the borders, in mutual agreement.
“Transport of these supplies to the border will be free of charge,” he said.
Mr Prasad added dairy farmers must follow the proper protocols at the border.
“FCDCL will advise you on the proper procedures to follow when you place your order. Please stay safe, and follow all COVID-19 protocols.
“We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade and Transport, and the Ministry of Agriculture, which makes it possible to offer this service to the dairy farmers,” said Mr Prasad.
FCDCL throughout the lockdown was stated to have been able to sustain personal protection standards when supplying established farmers with feed supplement and other farm chemicals by providing them with personal protective equipment.
“I ask dairy farmers to contact FCDCL on phone 3470007, 3470008, 9982277 to get the supplies they need.
“If they have any difficulties with this, they should call me on my mobile, 9982243. We are here to support the dairy farmers,” said Mr Prasad.