The Irrigation Trade show in Ba will surely be informative allowing farmers to become aware of the options available in the Fijian market, suitable for their needs.

The show is being held in conjunction to the Vodafone Ba Riverside Carnival which is underway.

IKSA Project assistance Sunjit Singh said this is to get maximum participation from the public, including school students on Saturday.

She said companies retailing irrigation and farming equipment, particularly in the cane belt areas, will be showcasing their gear.

“This is an initiative of the Pacific Community’s Improvement of Key Services to Agriculture (IKSA) Project, funded by the European Union,” Ms Singh said.

The IKSA project aims to develop new opportunities in horticultural and sugar markets through research and the provision of assistance to farmers.

“This will enable farmers to venture into horticultural crops through improved access to agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance on production and marketing,” she said.

“IKSA understands that clever irrigation is the key to keeping our green spaces healthy and thriving.

The Irrigation Show is expected to be the premier event to enhance industry knowledge, network with peers and visit exhibitors.

This is also done to find solutions to moisture needs that will cater for all areas of the irrigation value chain with a focus on agricultural and urban industries.

Meanwhile Fiji’s climate is displaying typical El Niño like characteristics with drier and cooler than normal conditions experienced over many parts of the country in the recent months.

According to the Fiji Meteorological Office, the El Niño plaguing the country is almost certain to continue through September to December period, and very likely through to the early part of next year.

“Since water is integral for vegetative growth and development, plants require, within reach of their roots, water of adequate quality, in appropriate quantity and at the right time.

“IKSA is trying to cushion the impact of the current drought situation in Fiji, with assistance to some vegetable farmers in the Sigatoka area with drip irrigation so that a sense of food security is experienced for both local and export markets.”

Highlights will include half-hourly demonstrations by exhibitors, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, as well as water pumps and tanks, delivery and suction pipes, generators, solar panels, nursery materials, and farming machinery/equipment.

Edited by Farzana Nisha

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