ethiopianreview.com | March 30th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Distribution of seeds has begun today for Rabi and the District of Wainigadru by agriculture officials that are carrying out damage assessment surveys in Cakaudrove Province.
Vegetable seeds such as Chinese cabbage, French bean, long bean, tomatoes and eggplant have been distributed to farmers in the affected areas to kick-start their food security program.
According to acting Senior Agriculture Officer (Cakaudrove) Ms Tepola Seniloli, areas in Tawake, Saqani, Coastal Vaturova, Cakaudrove Vanua, Cakaudrove District, Rabi, Kioa, Wailevu, Natewa and Tunuloa have been badly affected.
“Matured Yaqona and cassava has been completely destroyed and even the newly planted crops cannot recover because they were badly battered by strong winds of Tropical Cyclone Tomas,” she said.
“Breadfruit is grown extensively in the Cakaudrove Province and we had hoped that it would be an alternative for the people but it also did not escape from the wrath of TC Tomas so definitely there will be food shortage.”
“The Cakaudrove agriculture extension officers will be touring their localities as well from next week to advise farmers on their next course of action because of the importance of securing food security.”
“More distribution of planting materials and seeds will be given out next week as well as we also want to start our rehabilitation works for the affected areas,” said Ms Seniloli.
“At this point of time farmers should plant kumala, cassava, dalo-ni-tana and Tivoli as it can withstand good storability,” said Ms. Seniloli.“In addition to this soil conservation is an integral part of farming and if we continue to cut down trees and just use land anyhow, we should expect great damages to our farms.”
“Farmers are requested to follow recommended practices when it comes to soil conservation to prevent soil erosion and conserve soil structure for sustained production,” she explained.
A full agriculture damage assessment report for the areas affected by Cyclone Tomas will be handed to Cabinet by next week.
Government of Fiji)
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