The village headman for Mualevu Village, in Vanua Balavu in Lau, Vuniwai Korocawiri has expressed his joy and is overwhelmed by the farm access roads that have allowed easy access to their farms which will create more income for their livelihoods.
Korocawiri says gone are the days when they used to travel on horseback and foot to reach their farms as the Government have attended to the plea of the 37 farmers on the island.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways deployed machines to the island of Vanua Balavu three weeks ago in a bid to improve the farm access roads for farmers which has been long overdue.
Minister Vatimi Rayalu says that there were requests from farmers in Lau for assistance on farm access roads.
Rayalu says these farmers have not had the opportunity to expand their farms due to the difficulties they face in accessing prime farmland.
He says through concerted efforts by the divisions in the Ministry, they are able to tend to the plea of the people in Vanua Balavu.
He adds these farmers have been deprived of opportunities to explore potential crops for additional income. Rayalu also stressed they had identified areas in Lakeba and Moala Islands after similar requests were made to him.
Principal Agriculture Officer for the Eastern Division, Nimilote Waqabaca says work is progressing well and farmers have also started their planting programmes.
Waqabaca says they also have a tractor that has been carrying their land preparation works and so far around six acres of land have been prepared and already planted with cassava for eight farmers from the villages of Malaka, Urone, Boitaci, and Narocivo.
The Ministry will continue to reach out to the isolated communities and islands in the Eastern Division to ensure sustainable agricultural development.
