378,000 crop seedlings distributed across the country to boost food security

378,000 crop and fruit seedlings and 85,000 kilograms of vegetable seeds have been produced for distribution to farmers and households across the country.

While responding to the President’s address in Parliament, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna says the initiative is part of the Ministry’s crop research programme aimed at improving food security and strengthening agricultural productivity.

Tunabuna says the Ministry has also developed five new cassava varieties, introduced a yam variety from Nigeria and released a new Pacific Kumala variety to support farmers with improved and climate-resilient planting materials.

He says more than 8,000 farmers and households have received planting materials and climate-resilient commodities while over two million fruit tree and vegetable seedlings have been distributed through partnerships with private sector organisations.

Tunabuna adds that the Ministry has also supported 3,500 farmers through capital funding initiatives, providing farm equipment, agro-inputs and land preparation assistance.

He says mechanisation support has also been provided through 25 excavators, 90 tractors and 27 combined rice harvesters for cooperatives, individual farmers and schools.

Insert: Tunabuna on assistnce received by farmers 9th March

The Assistant Minister emphasizes infrastructure development has also been prioritised with 86 farm roads upgraded covering about 485 kilometres, improving access to more than 500 hectares of farmland.

Tunabuna further highlights the Ministry’s work in livestock development including artificial insemination programmes, improved breeding systems, establishment of breeding stations and the development of new beef breeds.

He says dairy farms have also been supported through the construction and upgrading of dairy sheds, provision of milking machines and water reticulation systems.

Tunabuna adds that waterways protection works have been carried out in vulnerable coastal and river communities to protect homes, agricultural land and livelihoods from flooding and erosion.

He also stresses that the government is focused on revitalising the sugar industry through mechanisation, improved governance, infrastructure upgrades and long-term structural reforms to increase productivity and boost farmers’ income.

Tunabuna says the Ministry will continue to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve irrigation and water management, strengthen farmer training and ensure greater participation of women and youth in the agriculture sector.