A call has come out to protect Koro Island’s root crop biosecurity.

Assistant Roko of Koro Saimoni Dobui is requesting anyone who frequents the island, whether visiting or business, to refrain from bringing dalo shoots, cassava or anything that has mud attached to it.

“I know people are desperate given the short period of recovery time to replant root crops,” Mr Dobui said.

And, he said it is clear at the Government office that people are desperate for dalo shoots and any root crop to get them back on their feet.

“Be patient,” he said

“Restrictions are in place now and everything that needs to come in has to be certified by the biosecurity firm.”

United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) response co-ordinator for TC Winstion recovery programmes Kanito Matanigasau said a trip to Koro is to promote non-organic sustainable plans to be implemented.

“I am here also to promote the importance of non-organic farming,” Mr Matanigasau said.

“Natural insecticide, the control of using fertilisers and a much healthier approach towards the enrichment of land that is sustainable in the long run, is an option I am trying to instill among farmers,” he said.

He also said they are policing the iQoliqoli and the control of the coconut and dalo beetle.

Koro and Taveuni are the only two islands still safe from the dalo beetle.”

“Being the biggest suppliers of coconuts to the local markets and the second supplier of taro to both the local and overseas markets, people need to be vigilant on the protection of their livelihood and environment.”

“The fall of Koro Island’s biggest commodities has seen the price hike for both coconut and dalo in the markets.”