THE dry prolonged weather has had an adversely significant impact on some farmers in Lautoka.
Those who used to export vegetables and crops on a regular basis are now relying on small-scale subsistence farming to earn money.
One such farmer resides along the Saru Back Road. When a team from The Fiji Times visited his residence earlier this week, Naveen Lal said his six-acre farm was once blooming with fresh produce.
“Now, all I grow is green vegetables, including bhaji and long bean,” Mr Lal said.
“I sell my produce at the market now. Before, I was cultivating large amounts of vegetables for export.”
He plans on having a borehole in the area next year, with Government’s help.
Meanwhile, West principal agriculture officer Vinesh Kumar said the ministry was still monitoring the situation on the ground.
He said parts of the West had received fleeting rainfall at times, which had caused a little pasture to grow in some areas.
