18 December, 2025, 8:21 am Central - 26°C Rain

Rayalu warns Agricultural Staff: Rejecting farmers means you are in the wrong department

Rayalu warns Agricultural Staff: Rejecting farmers means you are in the wrong department

By Iliana Biutu
17/04/2025
Minister for Agriculture, Vatimi Rayalu Photo:Vatimi Rayalu

If a woman or man walks into any Agricultural Office seeking assistance, whether related to agriculture or any other matter connected to your work and you reject them or tell them to go to other ministries, it shows that you are in the wrong department.

Minister for Agriculture, Vatimi Rayalu highlighted this while addressing his staff and he emphasized that it is their responsibility as civil servants to assist anyone who walks into their office.

Rayalu says many of these farmers travel long distances, some even ride horses or walk across rivers to reach the main road, where they catch buses or carriers just to get to the office only to be met with harsh and unhelpful responses from civil servants.

He says agricultural officers are fully equipped with the tools and resources needed to serve anyone who seeks help.

The Minister says in any civil service office, phones and internet are provided, so there is no excuse for failing to do the job.

He also emphasized that staff simply need to pick up the phone and reach out to the relevant department or ministry, and even help transport the individual to the appropriate office if necessary.

Rayalu also highlighted this is the kind of service that should be happening today.

He also reminded his staff that if this kind of attitude continues, it must stop immediately, as it brings shame not only to the Ministry but to the government as a whole.

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