Govt Help Spurs Single Mum To Succeed

21/08/2020

MEREANI GONEDUA

Life is never easy, however, without determination and courage we will never achieve our goals. These were the views and values that single mother of two Laisiana Nayasi, who was among the 13 aquaculture farmers who recently received bags of fish feed from the Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau at the Port of Lautoka, lives by in life.

Ms. Nayasi from Barotu, Ra manages her time on both her tilapia aquaculture farm and vegetable farm to earn an income in order to support her two children. “I received six bags of tilapia feed from the Government and I am grateful for the assistance provided.

I have been an aquaculture farmer for nearly five years now and the income I receive from my farm is enough to sustain my family.” “I have two children and even though I work alone on my aquaculture farm, I always try my best to do whatever I can in order to provide for my kids and I am always grateful that the Fijian Government is always looking out for Fijians like me.”

“I have two ponds and I earn at least $3000 from one pond when I harvest the tilapia in six months and I sell these along the roadside and a lot of people buy them.” Minister Koroilavesau, while handing over 165 bags of tilapia, prawn and shrimp feed, acknowledged the farmers for their determination during this pandemic crisis.

He said the farmers were identified based on the damages sustained on their farms during TC Harold and reassured them that no Fijian will be left behind and that the Fijian Government will always be ready to assist everyone. Minister Koroilavesau highlighted that aquaculture is one of the immediate solutions to food security, resource sustainability and climate change.

“As Minister responsible for Fisheries, I have been visiting a range of new projects and communities all over Fiji and witnessing at the forefront the struggles our people are going through.” “I would like to reaffirm to you that we are here for you and that no one will be left behind.”

“Our aim is to increase the production of tilapia fry’s and shrimp post larvae through innovative and tangible approaches. “To achieve this, the Government has increased the allocated funding for the new financial year to maximise the scope of assistance to Food Security and Commercial Aquaculture Farmers.

“This would include improved pond management, infrastructure improvement and development. “To our farmers present today, the Ministry of Fisheries is determined to work closely with you. With our eyes set wholly on a sustainable blue economy, aquaculture will play a critical role in achieving this vision.

“That’s why Government is with you every step of the way to make aquaculture farming as hassle free and profitable as possible.”