FARMERS affected by the El Niño-driven drought will receive targeted assistance under six new initiatives launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, with support covering emergency water supplies, livestock feed, planting materials and household food security.
Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna announced the initiatives in Suva yesterday, acknowledging the growing pressure prolonged dry conditions were placing on farmers, their livelihoods and families.
He said the ministry had received reports of declining water availability, crop losses, deteriorating pastures, livestock feed shortages and reduced farm incomes.
“We recognise that farmers need more than words of assurance,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“You need a response that is practical, timely, transparent and appropriate to your current circumstances.”
The six initiatives include emergency farm water and irrigation, livestock feed and animal health, climate-resilient planting materials, climate-smart agriculture, household and community food security, and sugar-sector drought protection.
Assistance will include water tanks, emergency water delivery, irrigation kits, supplementary livestock feed, veterinary treatment, drought-tolerant crops, home gardening and targeted irrigation for sugarcane farmers.
Mr Tunabuna said the initiatives were developed after the ministry gathered and assessed information from affected farming communities to identify their most urgent needs.
He said farmers will initially have one week to submit expressions of interest for assistance.
However, he cautioned that applying would not guarantee support, as assistance would depend on eligibility, field verification, severity of impact and available resources.
“No genuinely affected farmer should feel discouraged from applying because of uncertainty about the form.
“Please reach out to our officers and allow them to assist you.”
Mr Tunabuna said the ministry would continue monitoring drought conditions and working with development partners, farmer organisations and communities to strengthen Fiji’s food security.
