Lovoni Villagers Grateful for Access Road

Close to 50 farmers will benefit from farm access roads that are being built at Lovoni Village, Ovalau.

The access road is around 1.2 kilometres and the ministry has deployed two excavators, one dumper truck, and a tractor with implements to execute work on the ground.

The trickle-on effects of the access road is far greater as this will mean more agricultural production on unutilised land.

Lovoni is well known for its hardworking farmers who grow dalo and yaqona on large scales.

“I sincerely hope that after the farm roads, more youths will engage in farming and hopefully move their status from subsistence to commercial farming,“ Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu said.

“The ministry is working around the clock now to encourage more youth and women to engage in agricultural production. Whether it be vegetables, root crops, or yaqona, we need more farmers to step up now and assist in creating a food- and income-secure nation.

“I have been advising villagers to visit the nearest agriculture station and speak with the staff about the programmes that you hope to start.

Farm access roads were being built to assist villagers at Lovoni, Ovalau. Photo: Ministry of Agiculture

“The farm access roads will surely benefit the existing farmers and also encourage new farmers to start with their farming projects.”

The couple now has 15,000 yaqona plants on the ground, with planting continuing every month.

“It is hard work, but we are determined to persevere.”

The ministry will also work on land preparation works for interested farmers in Lovoni and will also be supplying vegetable seeds for additional food and income purposes.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

https://poll.app.do/embed/2024-fijian-government