Climate Smart Farmers Impress Agri Officer
Principal Agricultural Officer Paula Tuione has been impressed with Korotari vegetable farmers for honestly making use of the Farms-CARE initiative.
During a visit to five farmers in this area, outside Labasa Town, Mr Tuione was happy to see farmers implement the climate smart agriculture concept.
“Farmers have moved to integration and diversification to get the most out of their piece of land,” Mr Tuione said.
“Before the distribution of Farms -CARE assistance, these farmers quickly tried to recover from the loss they suffered after Tropical Cyclones Keni and Josie.
“Some of their farms were under water that came from the nearby river.
“They quickly co-ordinated to seek help from the advisory councillors and we assisted them with the provision of tractors to help in land preparation.
“Their own initiative brought positive impact creating public-private partnership in what we call triple ‘P’.
“Through the recent natural disaster we have learnt a lot about climate change and how we need to help farmers gain normality.
“We plan to help them with mini irrigation concept, seedling multiplication, greenhouse and the use of new technology.”
Rakesh Chand, 48, who has been doing vegetable farming in Korotari, Labasa, said he could not forget how his one-acre piece of land was completely destroyed by flood waters.
“I am thankful to the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture for providing assistance to give us hope to rise again,” Mr Chand said.
“From the $1000 Farms-CARE assistance, I bought some farm tools, materials and seedlings.
“Today I have more than 3000 cabbage and other vegetables in my farm.”
Another farmer Satish Chand said there were more than 300 farmers in Korotari and nearby areas who benefited from the Farms-CARE assistance and managed to do farming.
“There are so many farmers whose only source of income is the supply and sale of vegetables at Labasa market,” Mr Chand said
“I am one of them and I thank the Government and Ministry of Agriculture, Labasa branch staff for their support.”
Edited by Percy Kean
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