Five hundred women farmers will be assisted through the Women in Agricultural Programme.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy as he handed over Irrigation Kits to 13 farmers at Legalega Research Station in Nadi yesterday.

Keshwari Lata Dayal, 52, was among those who received a kit which included water tanks.

The mother of three children and a grandmother to four grandchildren, Ms Dayal owns two acres of land at Votualevu in Nadi.

She said the Irrigation Kit provided by the Government would be a great help, especially through the dry season which has a great effect in the Western Division.

“The dry season was not easy for us, but this provision from Government will be a great help to water our farms,” she said.

“I thank the Government for supporting women farmers.

“There is good money in agriculture and there is no limit to what we can do in agricultural businesses.”

Mr Reddy said the ministry was pleased to see successful women farmers and about 500 women farmers would be assisted in months to come.

“We have a separate programme for women in agriculture. About 500 women farmers will be assisted for the Women in Agriculture Programme.”

Mr Reddy said a large number of farmers will benefit from the Irrigation Kits.

“These Irrigation Kits will further enhance your agriculture enterprise. We know the Western Division has been drier and for your production, you need to have some sort of irrigation provision,” he said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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