Cassava, technology, fuel
Billion dollar business
CASSAVA can certainly be a billion dollar business ( FT 24/11), but we do not seem to get anything close to plantation type of commercialisation nationwide, off the ground.
We had a number of promises before, but they were only promises.
We also came very close to something a number of years ago, but it fizzled out into thin air.
The advantage with this crop is that it is relatively easy to grow and it can be grown in all the four divisions.
It’s not a new crop for our people. As a staple crop, our people already have the required know-how and are comfortable with growing it.
It can certainly benefit those in our rural areas who are currently focusing on subsistence farming, coupled with commercial sales on the side.
The byproducts are also varied and marketable.
Let’s try to get serious this time with our pursuit for commercialisation of our agriculture, with agrobased and broader solutions.
What other options are out there in our limited environment?
Who knows, it may just be the crop, to be the substitute for the currently lucrative illegal crop cultivation.
We should also take the opportunity to relook at commercially developing our other staple and traditional crops, while we are at it.
EDWARD BLAKELOCK
Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Digital and natural
IT seems that the digital world is taking over the natural word in this new era of advanced technology. Even when you read the word advanced in the previous sentence technology has advanced further definitely. I believe that the intent of developing technology has been to empower the natural environment instead of taking over it.
I still see a lot of potential in the technological world but natural world cannot and should not be ignored. The loss of the basics of humanism and environmental ethics will be a factor to confront in the very near future. Our planners should ensure that technology is used for the enhancement of the protections of family unity, values, environment and the natural world.
Let us use technology wisely and only then will we see the benefits of this as we advance into the technological world.
DHIRENDRA PRASAD
Lautoka
Fuel bill
SO our dear madam Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar is on to the municipal councils about fuel.
The good minister says it seems the staff were drinking fuel.
So if they are not drinking it, what is the other excuse?
From $4000 down to $2000. Haha!
ALLEN LOCKINGTON
Kava Place, Lautoka