Ba Farmers have been inspired to increase crop production with the recent drainage in their respective areas.

The Ministry of Waterways has recently completed a total of 800 metres of drainage works at Varavu in Ba to support over 20 farming households.

Advisory councilor Samuela Nailiva said the completion of drainage works provided a sigh of relief to farmers and residents.

“Drainage had been a major problem for farmers, as all drains here were silted and due to this the farms would often get flooded,” he said.

“Because of the poor drainage system , most of the farming land became waterlogged. Due to this many farmers had abandoned their farming land.”

Mr Nailiva said many farmers had returned to re-cultivate their farming land and resumed farming activities to support their livelihood following the completion of drainage works.

The advisory councilor further acknowledged the assistance from the Ministry of Waterways for the drainage works in the Varavu area.

The Minister for Waterways, Environment and Agriculture Mahendra Reddy said the Drainage for Farm Support Programme under the Ministry of Waterways was designed to support farmers and contribute to Commercial Agriculture Programme.

Mr Reddy said the Ministry of Waterways has been continuously working with the farming communities around the country to ensure that farming activities were not affected by floods.

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