Govt to provide $250 cash to all cyclone-affected farming households

A fast deploying cash for farmers program has been announced by the Government where they will provide $250 cash to all cyclone-affected farming households for land preparation, cultivation and procurement of planting materials.

Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says their estimates show there are 20,000 households that will qualify.

He confirms they have allocated $5 million for this.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds to apply for assistance, you must be a full-time farmer, your farm must fall in the path of TC Cody and at least 30% of your crops or 10% of your livestock must have sustained damage.

He adds they will also provide seedling and fertilizer packages valued at $176.

Sayed-Khaiyum says many of these farmers fields have been inundated with floodwaters and their crops and livestock have been washed away.

He stresses their immediate priority is to help farmers grow back better to feed families here in Fiji and strengthen our agricultural export.

The Acting Prime Minister adds all of this is to strengthen our farmers bottom line.

Sayed-Khaiyum has also announced a new Grow From Home Program that will distribute 20,000 home gardening seed packages to households in Fiji at a cost to the Government of $300,000.

Details will be published on the Fijian Government Facebook page.

Application forms will go through the Ministry of Agriculture.