VILIAME TIKOTANI
Farmers along the salad bowl of Fiji have commended the Government for their quick action in building a new road that enabled them to transport their produce to the markets.
Former advisory council Varun Sharma, 52, thanked the Government of the day for ensuring that their calls for assistance were met on time.
“We have got a good new tar sealed road 15 kilometers from Nacocolevu to Narata and the Government has plans to move up to Navosa as they are building a new hospital,” Mr. Sharma said.
“With the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy we also acknowledge that we have received more assistance for drainage system in the last year.”
Mr. Sharma said they are working together with the Ministry to look into areas of need.
He explained the Ministry assisted farmers affected by Tropical Cyclone Sarai as most experienced damage to their cash crops such as paw-paw, long bean, okra and egg-plants due to the flooding.
In terms of markets, Mr. Sharma said he also exports paw-paw and eggplant with weekly sales to the exporter fetching $300-$400.
“In return we can get money every day, and we harvest pawpaw for three to four years if there is no cyclone or drought.
He also asked for more assistance towards the farmers especially in the areas of irrigation system, chemicals, roads and seeds.