Farmers Assured of Solutions

The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, has assured rice farmers in Dreketi, Macuata, that all drainage problems will be effectively solved.

Mr Rayalu said that a drainage board had been appointed to address these issues.

He encouraged farmers in Vanua Levu to take advantage of this opportunity and visit the drainage board office in Labasa.

Farmer, Ram Khewal, 75, praised Government for drainage works undertaken at Laqere, Tabia, Labasa.

“Such an effort by the ministry is welcomed,” he said.

He said more than 50 per cent of the drainage works has been completed.

Laqere Tabia Farmers Cooperative president Khewal has urged Government to construct a seawall at their site to prevent damage to rice farms.

He emphasised that each year, heavy rainfall leads to the destruction of approximately 30 acres of rice fields, significantly impacting local farmers and food security.

“We have been asking for a seawall for atleast four years now, but, nothing has been done by Government or the Ministry of Waterways,” he claimed.

The farmer said he would be applying for the rice planting subsidy, but, believed more could be done to increase rice production.

“We should have more consultations and discussions where farmers can actively reach out to the relevant authorities and Government to share their concerns and propose ideas to tackle drainage issues together,” he said.

Similarly, drainage works have been carried out at Soasoa, Labasa which easily gets flooded during heavy rainfall.

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