The Ministry of Agriculture officials are continuing with their assessment and visitations to flood affected areas around Tailevu, Naitasiri, Rewa, Serua, Namosi, Nadroga/Navosa and the Province of Ra.
The Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary for Agriculture, Mr Ropate Ligairi said that the current total estimate damage to crops and livestock now stands at $1.8m.
However, this amount will increase once the detailed assessment of the flood affected areas is made known later this week.
“All damage assessment reports and figures will be submitted to the National Agriculture Operation Centre based in Raiwaqa by this evening (Wednesday) for compilation of a National Damage Report,” Mr Ligairi said.
“The report will be endorsed by the Government for the rehabilitation program, budget and timelines.”
Mr Ligairi said that the most affected commodities were root crops, vegetables, banana, pawpaw and cassava around Tailevu, Waidina and Waimanu river banks in Naitasiri, Rewa delta and Nadroga/Navosa.
“The high rate of damage was due to slow receding of flood waters in the affected area.”
For the livestock, the major impact of the flood was on cattle, poultry, sheep and pig farms.
“Farmers in Tailevu lost about 10,000 litres of milk due to non-accessibility of milk tankers that collect milk daily from Bulk Suppliers in Wainivesi and Waimaro dairy area and this was a result of the closure of Babavoce road.
“The worst affected area was Serua/Namosi and the Ministry has deployed its staff to begin a detailed
survey and assessment of damage done by the flood,” Mr Ligairi said.
The Ministry had deployed more staff on the field to fast track the damage survey on crops and livestock in their localities.
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