Free seed and feed for Western farmers

Farmers in the Western Division who were affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston were given free seed and feed from the government in a programme to support people who rely on the agriculture sector.

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Uraia Waibuta launched distribution to twenty farmers at Vunisinu Primary School in the province of Tailevu and from the past weekend began the same initiative in the west.

Seed and feed distributed will first cover the most devastated areas before it moves to other parts of Fiji.

Mr. Waibuta added the Ministry is mandated to help the farming communities especially those who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.

The Agriculture sector within the path of TC Winston was totally devastated with 100% wipe off of some crops and the Ministry of Agriculture is concerned about the threat of Food Insecurity.

He urged all farmers and the rural population to make use of the Ministry’s assistance in order to allow them to get back to normal in terms of food security.

The Fijian people are one of the most resilient in the world and we should hold hands and work together to rehabilitate and rebuild our country.

A 70-year-old dairy farmer Sucha Singh appreciated the assistance by the Ministry and said it would enable him to move forward with his dairy farm.

The areas devastated by TC Wilson include the island of Vanuabalavu in Lau, Taveuni, part of Cakaudrove, Bua and part of Macuata, Lomaiviti group, Northern Tailevu province, the whole of the Ra province, Tavua, Ba and part of the Yasawa group.

About 161 packages were given to farmers from Dawasamu area with a total of 7 crops seedlings which can cover a total area of 2 acres.

Seed distribution to the cyclone affected areas will continue this week.