Farmers within the Western Division were applauded for their assistance in providing food sustenance for all Fijians and increasing agricultural exports.

The Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Viam Pillay while speaking at the 2017 Western Farmers Awards at Tokatoka Resort in Nadi yesterday, said there was a need to implement resilient and sustainable agriculture practices for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Government, Mr Pillay acknowledged the roles played by farmers as this partnership is vital in providing food and contributing to increasing agricultural export providing the required materials for the agro industry.

The climate change threat, he added encompassed and affected all sectors including the agriculture sector.

In light of increasing danger, Mr Pillay said that all stakeholders must focus on the need and implementation for the adaptation mechanisms in sectors that faced the challenges of climate change.

He reminded the Western farmers that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is currently presiding over the COP23 in Bonn, Germany and that all Fijians should stand up and do their part in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The awards, he said, were in recognition of the efforts made by farmers towards the development of the agricultural sector.

Mr Pillay thanked the Western Division farmers for their hard work and perseverance throughout the year.

He added that the awards would motivate all farmers in the division to walk an extra mile and that Government was ready to assist them in developing their farms.

Awards:

Special Awards

Women in Agriculture – Asenaca Salacagi

Young Farmer of the Year – Mikaele Tanalawa

Farmer of the Year Crop – Dharmend Kumar

Farmer of the Year Livestock – Navekatan Aujula

Other awards

Best Dalo Farmer – Keresoni Waqa

Best Ginger Farmer – Rafaele Radroni

Best Yaqona Farmer – Savenaca Salili

Best Patato Farmer – Jaweli Naluaikaba

Best Yam Farmer – Jone Madrai

Best Banana Farmer – Manueli Vakarilala

Best Papaya Farmer – Amad Khan

Best Pineapple Farmer – Imataz Ali

Best Rice Farmer – Sunil Kumar

Best Vegetable Farmer – Robert Sanjay

Best Farm Practice – Pranil Bhai

Best Backyard Farmer- Ritesh Sharma

Best Value Adding Farmer – Mr and Mrs Nawaitauvou

Best Florticullture – Kelera Kau’ata

Best Sustainable Landuse Management Farmer – Sakeasi Tikowale

Best Pig Farmer – Laisenia Namosimalua

Best Sheep Farmer – Samisoni Manewa

Best Dairy Farmer – Bal Ram

Best Beef Farmer – Mohamemd Shahim

Best Goat Farmer – Jiten Kumar

Best Broiler Farmer – Navekatan Aujula

Best Duck Farmer – Rakesh Prasad

Best Apiculture Farmer – Nilesh Kumar

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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