Nine farmers in the western division receive water tanks

Nine farmers from Tavua, Nadi and Sigatoka have each received a 5,300 litres water tank from the Ministry of Waterways to assist their farming activities during a drought.

Minister for Waterways and Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy says farmers will be able to increase farm productivity as these water tanks provide a means of provision for water through sustainable irrigation systems for farmers to use during dry seasons.

He says these tanks would also help farmers to prepare them to meet demands for the local market as well as for export soon after the borders reopen after COVID-19.

Doctor Reddy assures all farmers around the country that they will be supported through the Ministry of Waterways to combat drought and highlighted that land size should not limit farm production with farmers intensifying their activities.

A 55-year-old vegetable farmer, Kaliova Ravuovou of Kabisi Village in Sigatoka is thankful for the assistance as it will help him access water during a drought which had been an obstacle and decreased farm production rapidly.

He says they used to cart water from the river to farms either by horse or sometimes manpower but now the water tanks will help him store water and use it in farms during a drought.