Growers claim authority duped them

SOME Naitasiri farmers claim they have been duped by the Agro Marketing Authority (AMA).

The Muaniweni growers claimed the AMA asked them to plant uro ni vonu dalo with the promise of purchasing their harvest, then later told them there was no market for their produce.

Speaking to this newspaper, Naresh Ram, a farmer, said he and others had planted in earnest after they reached an understanding with the AMA.

“They came and told us to plant uro ni vonu and they will buy it for $2 to $2.50 a kilogram,” the 46-yearold claimed.

“So, most of us started planting uro ni vonu. I planted on two to three acres of land.

“Most farmers in this area took up the offer from AMA because it was a good one. Nine months later when it was ready for harvest, AMA said there was no market so we had to find alternative buyers.

“I ended up selling them to an exporter in Navua for $1.40 a kilogram.”

Mr Ram claimed his story was similar to many in Muaniweni.

“We invested so much on the dalo farms — buying weedicide, fertiliser and fuel for the tractor.”

He claimed the AMA had duped them and put them out of pocket.

“I don’t know why they came and told us to plant uro ni vonu when there was no market.”

Another farmer, Sur Sen, echoed similar sentiments.

He claimed that two months away from harvesting uro ni vonu on three acres of his land, he was told by AMA that there was no market.

“Now, they are telling us to plant other breeds of dalo,” the 62-yearold said.

■ Questions sent to Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy on the farmers’ claims remain unanswered.