About 60,000 farmers have benefitted from the distribution of fertilizer and chain saws to cocoa, ginger, dalo and rice farmers in selected areas of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
In a continuing effort to help farmers affected by the effects of Cyclone Winston, the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council has received an assistance fund of $130,000 to purchase the fertilizer and chainsaws from New Caledonia's Chamber of Agriculture.
Fiji Crop and Livestock Council CEO Jiu Daunivalu says that while we realize that there is much work to continue in returning the farming community to normal after the devastating cyclone, and they are grateful to our neighbours for their awareness of the plight of our farmers in Fiji.
She adds that this money is targeted at those in greatest need.
Daunivalu added that the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council continues its purpose of developing the agriculture sector through organizing and developing farmers.
She says that while the monies they receive for rehabilitation and development is not substantial, it has allowed them to provide some assistance to the farmers as well organize their associations.
According to the President of the Fiji Rice Farmers Association, Paras Nath says that with one bag of 50kg Urea blend fertilizer costing around $62, the assistance in kind has been welcomed by the farmers.
Fiji Crop and Livestock Council comprises of 12 commodity associations that include, Grazing Livestock, Dalo, Yaqona, Cocoa, Ginger, Rice, Fiji Foods Exporters Association, Pigs, Beekeepers, Fruits and Vegetables, Organics, and Copra.
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