Update: 4:30PM RICE farmers in Dreketi are complaining about the lack of support from the Agriculture Department in Labasa.

Deepak Arunesh Prasad, a farmer in Malawai in Dreketi said their matured crops have passed the harvest season.

“Some farmers here have 20-25 acres of rice fields that needs to be harvested but the harvester are currently under repaired. 

“If our crops are not harvested, then there will be no source of income for most families here and it is going to be hard for families that rely on rice farming to earn money, especially at this time where parents will be preparing their children for school next year,” he said

However, Principal Agricultural Officer North, John Cox says the farm manager in the irrigation department has looked into the matter and are currently carrying out maintenance work.