The Ministry of Agriculture is in the process of distributing potato seeds to farmers in Sigatoka.

The 12,000-tonne potato seeds, which are from Australia, are of local varieties.

This, after the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Viam Pillay, officiated at the launch of the 2017 Potato Planting at a farm in Tuva road in Nadroga.

“The potatoes are local varieties and we managed to secure 12,000 tonnes. And farms in Nadroga will have the honour to plant it this year as well,” Mr Pillay said.

The potatoes are of red pontiac breed, and it will take three months before it is ready for harvest.

Mr Pillay, while at farmer Vikaram Chand’s  farm in Tuva, said Mr Chand’s farm was a model farm for potato planting.

He commended Mr Chand for his work on the farm.

He said: “Apart from sugarcane, Mr Chand has other vegetables, water melons and now plants potatoes.

“And we hope to continue in this direction and see how best or closely we can work with the farmers.”

Mr Chand believes inter-cropping of potatoes on his sugarcane farm is the only way he can generate additional earnings for his family.

“I know that having diversification is the only way I can earn extra income for my family, and we only get it in a short time compared to having a sugar cane farm only.”

Mr Chand owns a 23-acre crown land where he plants different vegetables, sugarcane and a variety of other crops.

Mr Pillay added the ministry would continue to work with their farmers.

“I must thank the team who are working closely with the farmers on the ground,” he said.

“This is a trial with the local seed, but there is a lot more planting to be done.

“Our team on the ground is carrying out tests where we can identify the places and areas we can farm on once we have more seeds.

“Our team will be working there, especially sugarcane farmers and how can intercropping help them, improve their financial part.”

Edited by: Ivamere Nataro

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