Sell unproductive cows.
This is the immediate advice of Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna as the long dry weather takes a toll on farmers and their income, particularly on Vanua Levu.
He said farmers needed to make practical decisions to manage the impact of the dry spell on their operations.
He said the level of impacts on farms depended largely on how well farmers had prepared before the dry conditions began.
“Those farmers who have played their part in preparing will be less impacted by the long dry spell,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“Selling unproductive cattle was one option farmers can consider rather than continuing to spend money maintaining animals that were not generating returns,” he said.
The dry spell is also creating economic pressure beyond the farm gate.
With prices of fruits and vegetables increasing, the impact of the dry conditions is expected to place additional pressure on consumers.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is currently assessing the situation on the ground but has yet to receive any formal requests for assistance from affected farmers.
The ministry’s ongoing assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the damage and the support farmers may need.
Mr Tunabuna did not give a timeframe as to when he is expected to file the report to Cabinet.
He added it was also too early to estimate financial losses in the agricultural sector at this stage.
