Fiji’s farming sector will be set back by two years as the drought will continue until next year.
This was highlighted by commercial farmer, Balbir Singh, who also has a Masters in Economics.
Singh, who owns 30 commercial farms in Fiji, including one of the largest commercial farms in Dramasi, Tavua, says the prolonged dry conditions are seriously affecting small-scale farmers and their ability to produce vegetables for their families and the market.
He says many small-scale farmers supply vegetables to hotels, resorts and taverns, but the drought could leave them struggling to grow enough food even for their own consumption.
Singh further says the situation is particularly concerning as November and December are important months for weddings, Christmas celebrations and Hindu religious festivals, when families require vegetables for household consumption and functions.
He says farmers could also lose livestock, including goats and chickens, due to a lack of water and declining food supplies.
Singh warns that prolonged drought could leave farmland idle for three to four months, allowing pests and diseases to build up and making it more difficult for farmers to resume production when rain returns.
Insert: Farmers moving to other jobs
He says urgent support is needed to help farmers protect their livelihoods, maintain production and ensure they can resume farming once conditions improve.
