MINISTER REDDY ASSURES FIJIANS OF REGULAR SUPPLY OF FRESH PRODUCE
Government is assuring Fijians will continue to receive their fresh produce despite the lockdown of a number of areas.
The announcement was made early this week by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy.
The Minister said the Ministry of Agriculture was working with vendors’ associations, municipal councils, middlemen, and producers to facilitate farm produce at the checkpoints to the markets.
“From last week, we initiated the ‘Green Supply Chain’ operation whose ultimate aim is to maintain the produce supply link.
“We are working to ensure that we are able to pass on the green produce from one end of the border to the other till it finally reaches the markets, where Fijians can access it,” he said.
However, Dr Reddy said Government was also mindful of the COVID-19 safety measures, hence the exchanges at the borders were strictly monitored under the watchful eyes of the Fiji Police Force.
“Whilst we are asking our people to be at home, we also acknowledge the fundamental need for food and nutrition to ensure the wellbeing of all Fijians.
“Produce from farmers in several borders around Fiji are proceeding smoothly across and are adhering to the COVID-19 border transaction protocols,” he said.
The Minister said it was critical to ensure the fresh produce reached the markets in a short period of time due to the high demand with suppliers able to receive cash immediately.
He said the ‘Green Supply Chain’ was important for the supply of fresh food to major and satellite markets within the lockdown and containment zones.