Every Fijian household is earmarked to receive assistance through the form of long term crops for their food security.
This was stated by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy in Sabeto, Nadi today as part of plans for the growth and expansion of the agriculture sector.
“The Ministry notes that apart from providing short term crops, it will also secure every household in Fiji with long term crops, which will continue to provide food to the household year-round,” said Minister Reddy.
Therefore, the Ministry will, progressively, provide to every household in Fiji the planting material for the following crops:
1. One coconut seedling (which households can use for a variety of purposes);
2. Two cuttings for Drumstick tree (highly nutritious superfood)
3. One seedling of Breadfruit (rich in fibre);
4. Two Tivoli (Wild Yam Variety) tuber cutting (annual crop with the ability of natural regeneration and accepted as a climate-resilient crop).
“The logistics of how we will reach out to every household will be provided later.
“Due to limited planting material in stock now, these planting materials will be provided progressively over the next 8 months to every household,” he clarified.
Hon. Reddy also highlighted, that in addition to crops, there was also a requirement for livestock to compliment people’s dietary and nutritional requirements.
Noting that poultry meat was the most widely consumed meat, the Ministry would endeavour to provide every interested household (via expression of interest) and settlement, six to twelve-day old chicks.
“We expect households to then develop their nuclear stock for the future. The Ministry will partner with private sector hatcheries to achieve this delivery,” said Hon. Reddy.