Drainage Works Will Enhance Agricultural Production

The completion of a 200metre drainage work for farmland at Navuevu and Sila Village in Cuvu, Sigatoka is expected to boost agricultural produc­tion for close to 25 farmers.

This was completed through the Ministry of Water­ways.

Kalivati Waqa a farmer from Sila Village alluded to in­creasing their agricultural production as flooding was a major hindrance to their farming activity.

“For so long we wanted to supply our produce to the hotels as they are a fixed market. But due to the drainage problem over the years, we have not been able to, due to constant flooding,” Mr Waqa said.

He said for both villages, close to 17 houses would be affected by flood waters during the rainy season.

“After the completion of the drainage works by the Ministry of Waterways, there wasn’t much flood as the water went down quickly. So now we can increase pro­duction and hopefully we are able to supply to the ho­tels,” he said.

Mr Waqa further added that they are now clearing the other portion of land for agriculture purposes which was affected due improper drainage for over the years.

Minister for Waterways, Agriculture and Environment Mahendra Reddy has commended the drainage works by his ministry, which leads towards the growth of the agriculture sector.

“This particular programme by the Ministry is commit­ted towards stimulating agricultural production to con­tribute towards commercial agriculture programmes, through supporting our rural farmers,” he said.

Farmers from the two villages cultivate over six acres of land with assorted vegetables and root crops. They currently supply their produce to Sigatoka and Road­side market.

The 2000 meters of desilting works included the remov­al of all debris, grass, shrubs, and vegetation to allow for unobstructed water flow.

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