Lautoka farmer calls for allocation of borehole funding in the 2025-2026 National Budget

A Lautoka farmer is requesting the government to allocate specific funding for the construction of boreholes in the Viseisei area as part of the upcoming 2025–2026 National Budget.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Shalendra Raj is currently transporting water from Saweni to Viseisei.

He emphasised the potential of agriculture, saying that under every lump of soil lies money.

He explained that land holds great value and opportunity, but for this potential to be realised, people need proper support and assistance from the government, which includes access to resources such as seeds, tools, training, and financial aid.

Raj says he purchased his farm in Viseisei, Lautoka four years ago, and at the time, it was nothing more than a bare and unused piece of land.

He says he took it upon himself to develop it into a productive agricultural plot entirely on his own, without receiving any financial or technical support from the government.

The Lautoka farmer says he is hopeful that the government will introduce more grants in the upcoming National Budget, specifically aimed at supporting sugarcane farmers.

He believes such grants would provide much-needed financial relief to farmers who are facing rising production costs, unpredictable weather conditions, and market uncertainties.

Raj explains that building a borehole is a costly undertaking, often beyond the financial means of small-scale farmers like himself, and that despite his efforts to manage his farm, the lack of a reliable water source remains a major challenge, especially during dry spells when crops require consistent irrigation.

The Saweni resident believes that having better access to water through boreholes would significantly benefit farmers like himself by improving irrigation and supporting agricultural activities, which are vital for the community’s livelihood and development.

He explains that he is not seeking free financial aid or handouts but rather support through accessible loan schemes that farmers can apply for in order to invest in essential agricultural infrastructure, with the understanding that the borrowed money would be repaid gradually over time.

The Lautoka farmer believes this approach is more sustainable, as it encourages the responsible use of funds and allows the government to recycle the money by lending it to other farmers in the future, creating a continuous cycle of support within the farming community.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will deliver the 2025/2026 National Budget address on the 27th of this month.