By ARISHMA DEVI
Farmers living in Mamanuca Group and Yasawa Group must now have their farm steady says the Ministry of Agriculture director extension, Vatimi Rayalu.
Cyclone Evan
Rehabilitation
Following the after math of Tropical Cyclone Evan fourths months ago, Mr Rayalu said the agriculture department took charge of the primary sector (farms and farmers).
They also looked in to their issues so that they coped within their farms as quick as possible.
“Those islands were one of the first to receive assistance in terms of vegetable seedlings and root crop cuttings for planting to help them normalize their farm produce as soon as possible,” Mr Rayalu said.
Mr Rayalu said the vegetable farms in the country affected in the cyclone should now be normal as vegetables are fast growing.
However he said, since it has been only four months now, root crops can be expected to be produced in the coming five to six months as it takes long to breed.
“We have our station officers deployed in the Island who monitor the rehab program and accordingly vegetable farms have seen growth other than root crops because it will take its time usually six to nine months to be ready for produce,” Mr Rayalu said.
Market
“The agri-market is seeing steady fast growth as this year 1.5 tonnes of pawpaw has already been exported in the foreign market mainly Australia and New Zealand.
Apart from this Mr Rayalu said egg plants have also been exported to New Zealand.
“These exports show that we have normalized our agriculture industry and we have done well.”
Local fruits and vegetable prices in the markets should now be normal and cheap said Mr Rayalu.
“By now farmers must have enough yield from their farms especially vegetables.
“We expect market prices to return normal and cheap and quality vegetables should now be ready available in the markets.”
Mr Rayalu said that the Ministry will assess the farms around the country and will visit farmers who claim that there yields are not good.