Rice farmers highlight drainage problems.

Farmers in Dreketi, Vanua Levu, went home happy after their talanoa session with the Minister for Waterways on Tuesday.

At the session, Minister Mahendra Reddy was able to provide solutions to the problems raised by the farmers.

Rice farmer Shiu Rattan, 78, of Muanidevo was having water problems on his 15-acre rice field, which prevented the rice seeds from germinating.

“I asked the minister to assist me and he said he would help provide drainage and get seeds, fertiliser and chemicals. My rice field that was destroyed is 15 acres,” Mr Rattan said.

Mr Reddy said losing 15 acres of rice farm was big.

“His loss is quite a lot and needed assistance. We will ensure that the problems raised by the farmers are looked into and solved as soon as possible,” Mr Reddy said.

“Sometimes we need to solve this type of problems especially if it is small investments but has huge returns.”

Another farmer, Avinesh Kumar said he too was facing drainage problems.

“Waterways have come and fixed one of the problems that we had and they also installed a culvert. Now I have just a few drainage problems which the minister has told his staff to look at and get it fixed,” Mr Kumar said.

“The minister has assured me that his team will be coming around the farm to see and fix the problem.”

More than 10 farmers attended the talanoa session.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj