Drainage works recently completed will support the Ministry of Agriculture’s Commercial Agriculture program.
The Ministry of Waterways has recently completed a total of 1300 meters of drainage works in Nadhari settlement in Ba which has protected more than 30 vegetable farmers from the recent floods in the West.
Advisory councilor, Navin Prasad said the completion of drainage works has provided a sigh of relief to the farmers.
“About 10 of the more than 30 vegetable farmers in the Western Division cultivate large amounts of vegetables and supply them to the major markets,” he said.
“Before the drainage works, farms used to flood and take 1-2 weeks to dry out. Whereas now after the drainage works it takes only 1-2 hours for the water to dry out,” he said.
Mr. Prasad further acknowledged the support and assistance from the Ministry of Waterways which has protected farmers from floods and supported their food and income security as most are full-time farmers.
The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Dr. Mahendra Reddy said they will continue to undertake drainage works to enable farmers to boost production and to ensure there is adequate supply to the local markets as well as in the tourism sector.
Minister Reddy further reiterated that the Ministry of Waterways has been continuously working with the farming communities to support the growth and development of farmers, the agriculture sector, and the country.
The 1300 meters of desilting works include the removal of all debris, grass, shrubs, and vegetation to allow for unobstructed water flow.