The Ministry of Agriculture is planning to revive agricultural activity in Lakena and other potential areas once thrived in agricultural production.
Senior Agriculture Officer (Tailevu), Saiasi Tubuna said Lakena pioneered rice cultivation and production in 1980’s, which saw the setting of irrigation in the area.
“Unfortunately the irrigation system was closed in 1994 and slowly the irrigation structures deteriorated since it was not in use,” said Tubuna.
“Now farmers in the area have diversified to other crops and in the process it has changed the landscape in the area,” Tubuna said.
Recently, a special meeting was called at the Lakena Station to look into the grievances of farmers living there.
A representative from the Lands Department, Laisenia Kidiaceva who addressed the 50 farmers present there said that before any developments on the farm can be undertaken, farmers have to obtain prior consent from the Department.
“Under the current lease agreement, farmers are only allowed to built one house on the land and should utilize it as many are looking for agricultural land,” Kidiaceva said.
“If the current lease holder does not utilize at least 75% of the land than it may be given to someone who is desperate to do farming,” said Kidiaceva.
Tubuna urged the farmers to make Lakena what it used to be known for - a flourishing ricecultivation area.
“We urge you all to cultivate the agricultural land and not to leave it vacant which means that farmers need to work to the best of their ability in their farms,” said Tubuna.
Tubuna urged farmers to form a association and work together so that their plights could be easily heard.
The farmers then formed the Lakena Farmers Association and elected Mr. Rajeshwar Kumar as president of this newly formed association.
Kumar said that he has big plans for the farmers of Lakena and urged farmers to work together.