Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Mahendra Reddy says over the last two years they have spent close to half‑million dollars for drainage program.
He says they are continuing with this as these projects allow farmers to use land that was not utilized previously due to water‑logging.
Dr. Reddy says they have seen a major increase in agricultural production particularly with crops like Dalo, cassava, ginger, rice and also on livestock production.
He says they are excited about making agriculture the backbone of Fiji’s economy over the coming years as this is the only sector which is stable and is in their control.
Meanwhile, under the Maintenance of Irrigation Scheme, the Ministry of Waterways and Environment has assisted the Tokotoko Land Purchase Co‑operative Limited Group in Navua with the drainage improvement works which enabled the co‑operative to utilize land which used to be waterlogged previously.
Group’s Secretary Mr. Ramzan Mohammad says drainage work enabled to solve flooding concerns for the community and largely for the co‑operative as more room for farming is enabled.
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