Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged 53 aquaculture sites and set the fisheries industry back by about $300,000. This, according to Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau.
He made the comment while handing over fish feed to a group of fish farmers at the Wainibokasi Fisheries Service Centre outside Nausori yesterday.
“Having visited rural isolated communities around Fiji, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and needs brought about due to COVID-19 and the recent natural disasters,” he said.
Mr Koroilavesau said Government, through the Fisheries Ministry was initiating programs to help these communities.
“These are all in support of the Government’s vision of ensuring sustainable economic development, food security and maintaining sustainability of resources.”
As part of post-COVID and TC Harold rehabilitation works, he said his ministry wanted to restore and elevate food security.
“Therefore we are ready to support the over 50 per cent of farmers situated here in the Central Division.”
Mr Koroilavesau said the ministry would soon be handing out 250 bags of tilapia, prawn and shrimp feed to farms that were affected.
He reminded farmers to put aside operational funds and reinvest profits into their businesses to boost self-sufficiency.
“You now have the opportunity to take ownership of your future, improve your communities, and prove, now more than ever, that as Fijians we are able to achieve our dreams through partnership and determination.”
