Phase two of TC Vaianu aid targets food security, farm recovery

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is set to roll out phase two of its Tropical Cyclone Vaianu rehabilitation assistance, with a strong focus on restoring farms and boosting food security amid ongoing economic pressures.

The programme is part of a broader response to both cyclone damage and the current fuel crisis, aimed at supporting affected farmers while strengthening household resilience.

The initiative covers two key areas — farm support and home gardening — with applications closing last Friday.

Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said the ministry would take two to three weeks to verify applications, including physical farm visits, to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.

“We do not want to give for instances the vegetable seeds to farmers to plant when in fact they do not have land available or do not know how to plant seeds,” Mr Tunabuna said.

“We are looking at providing targeted assistance to farmers to restore agricultural production, rehabilitate damaged farmlands, and sustain livelihoods.”

He said the ministry was also encouraging households to establish home gardens to improve access to fresh food and reduce reliance on market supplies.

Mr Tunabuna said the approach aimed to balance immediate recovery with long-term resilience.

He added that the ministry would continue working closely with communities to support recovery efforts and prepare for future shocks, including climate-related events and economic disruptions.

Following verification, the programme will move into phase three, which will involve the distribution of assistance.

The targeted beneficiaries include farming households in affected districts across Kadavu, Ba, Nadroga/Navosa, Ra and Naitasiri.