Local farmers, suppliers to receive care package of free seedlings

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Dr Mahendra Reddy speaks with farmers at the launch of the squash planting program. Picture: SUPPLIED/FIJIAN GOVT

LOCAL farmers and suppliers will receive a care package of free seedlings from the Ministry of Agriculture in a bid to address the drop in imported goods impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Making the announcement on Wednesday, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy said local producers would have to plant and harvest the supplied crops within a month to ensure supply to local markets was sustained.

“We are now releasing a new farm support package which will boost production of short-term crops,” he said.

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