Seaqaqa farmer Asena Weleilakeba is calling on the Government to assist farmers in the Northern Division with transportation, as they struggle with significant price differences between their local markets and Suva.
Speaking to fijivillage News during the National Women’s Symposium, Weleilakeba says farmers in the North face financial hardships, selling their produce for as little as $30 to $50, while the same sack of cassava fetches $100 to $150 in Suva.
She says the current pricing structure, combined with the rising cost of fertilizer and transport, leaves families like hers struggling to make ends meet.
Weleilakeba also emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset, stating that farming is not just for men and that women should actively support their spouses in the field.
She feels privileged to have been selected for the two-day symposium, believing it will enhance her farming knowledge and empower her to overcome these challenges.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Tukuna, emphasized in his address that the symposium is a testament to the government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in agriculture.
He says the symposium is an essential event that celebrates the profound contributions and achievements of women in agriculture while also addressing the challenges they face in this vital sector.
The National Women’s Symposium will continue with its program until tomorrow.
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