The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry has launched six targeted El Niño response initiatives to assist farmers struggling with prolonged dry conditions and protect Fiji’s food security.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna announced the initiatives this afternoon, saying they were developed following assessments of the challenges facing farmers across the country.
“To our farmers across Fiji, we hear you. We recognise the challenges you are facing, and we understand the pressure that prolonged dry conditions are placing on your farms, livelihoods and families,” Mr Tunabuna said.
He said reports from agricultural stations, extension officers, farmer organisations and industry representatives had highlighted declining water availability, crop losses, deteriorating pastures, livestock feed shortages and reduced farm incomes.
The six initiatives will focus on emergency farm water and irrigation, livestock feed and animal health, climate-resilient planting materials, climate-smart agriculture, household food security and sugar-sector drought protection.
Assistance will include water tanks, emergency water delivery, irrigation kits, livestock feed, veterinary treatment, drought-tolerant planting materials and support for backyard and community farming.
Sugarcane farmers will also receive targeted support through irrigation, crop monitoring, wildfire advisories and access to suitable seed cane.
Mr Tunabuna urged affected farmers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for assistance under the initiatives.
The EOI process will initially remain open for one week, with the Ministry to determine whether an extension is necessary based on the applications received.
However, he cautioned that submitting an application would not automatically guarantee assistance.
Applications will be assessed against eligibility requirements, field verification, technical suitability, severity of impact and available resources.
The Minister warned that the effects of El Niño extended beyond farms, potentially affecting food availability, market supplies, prices, exports, rural incomes and household nutrition.
He said the Ministry had also convened Fiji’s Food Security Cluster to coordinate responses with stakeholders.
The response will include vulnerable groups, particularly women farmers, young people, persons with disabilities and remote communities.
“This includes women farmers, young people, persons living with disabilities, minority groups, remote communities and vulnerable households.”
Mr Tunabuna also urged farmers to conserve water, protect water sources and avoid unnecessary burning during the dry period.
He said the six initiatives represented the first stage of the Ministry’s response, with further interventions to be considered as conditions develop.
“To our farmers, you are at the heart of Fiji’s food and nutrition security. You sustain our communities, supply our markets, support our rural economy and contribute to the wellbeing of our nation.
“We may not be able to address every challenge immediately, but we will continue to listen, assess and act,” Mr Tunabuna said.
