Chemical fertilizer results in low quality vegetables and crops - Sant Kumar

The Founder of Organic Farming in Fiji Sant Kumar has highlighted that the excessive use of chemical fertilizer in the country has resulted in the low quality of vegetables and crops produced by farmers.

Speaking at the Organic Pathways for Sustainable Fiji Workshop at SPC Training Centre at Narere, Kumar says most of the farmers are using chemical fertilizer without knowing the effects of the chemicals.

He says when he used to be employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, he always thought they were doing a good job by advising farmers on use of chemicals, but he saw they were doing more damage than good which is why he started venturing into organic farming.

Ministry of Agriculture representative Head of Organic Taskforce Dr Tekimi Nakidakida says they are compiling a policy on organic farming in the country where they will be presenting it to the Minister and the Permanent Secretary next week.

He says the policy will look at how they can better serve farmers on the use of organic fertilizer, the different chemical properties in a fertilizer and pesticide and its effects, and how government can assist farmers in organic farming.

Nakidakida highlighted the policy will benefit farmers in reducing their costs and also enable farmers to produce a quality product with less cost.