Food security supplies distribution begins
To respond to food security concerns in Tropical Cyclone Yasa affected areas, an agricultural distribution programme began with seedlings and livestock for10,000 households.
As groups nationwide flock to Vanua Levu, the area worst affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa, the need to avoid duplication and ensure relevance of assistance given, has become top priority.
To respond to food security concerns, the Agriculture Ministry has rolled out a seedling distribution programme beginning with 10,000 households.
Speaking at a news conference yesterday, Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy, described the exercise which involves 120 civil servants travelling in 43 vehicles working to place agriculture and livestock back in affected communities. The programme began on December 22.
“Seed packs for 10,000 initial households ongoing for distribution to affected areas will commence from tomorrow (today),” he said.
“To support this, 150,000 kumala cuttings to be distributed to most affected agricultural households with 15,000 to be distributed in Northern Division tomorrow (today). In addition, 30,000 bele cutting will be provided, as well as 150,000 cassava cuttings. MoA is also supplying sugar to bee farmers (estimated 1,500 hives) as a result of loss of flowers.
The ministry will also be supplying day-old chicks to compliment people’s dietary and nutritional requirement.
“Village based backyard poultry is an excellent way to enhance the availability of and access to micronutrients and protein-rich foods.
“For crop farmers, please salvage what can be recovered for food and for planting material and this would also complement our objective of assisting those who need support.
He also urged people in the north to keep their livestock safe as the ministry rolls out its assistance to farmers.
He added that the ministry was structured to the government’s objective to ensure no Fijian was left behind.
“Our programmes start at micro household and small inner and outer community level, progressing to supporting small-medium farming sectors and eventually expanding to mid to large commercial operating model of farming and agricultural production.
The ministry team has also taken three trucks and two excavators, chainsaws, assessment materials, communication devices, salvage tools, engineers, and carpenters yesterday to carry out the task.
Meanwhile, the category 5 cyclone wreaked havoc in the Fiji group on the eve of December 17 leaving behind four casualties and a number of people homeless days before Christmas.
