The high occurrence of new pests and diseases brought on by natural disasters is a concern for farmers.
This was an issue discussed by farmer members of the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council.
Earlier this week the council held its Farmers’ National Committee Association Planning workshop for its members to discuss the challenges Cyclone Winston imposed on their respective commodities.
FCLC Chairman Simon Cole said the dialogue provided a very structured and common sense approach to the economic recovery of the agricultural sector for all the commodities that FCLC represents.
Commodities such as dalo, yaqona, cocoa, ginger, coconuts, grazing livestock such as sheep, goats, beef and beekeepers are situated in zones badly affected by the cyclone.
The areas affected are Taveuni, Cakaudrove, Bua, Koro, Gau, Lau, Naitasiri, Ra, and Tailevu.
Affected farmers also highlighted the need to repair or newly build farm structures, source seeds and animals to replenish lost crop and livestock, and fertilizers.
FCLC received last week a donation of $140,000 from its New Caledonia counterpart – the Chamber of Agriculture to assist the council’s relief efforts.
As the Ministry of Agriculture prepares its final agriculture assessment – FCLC will use the final assessment as the basis for their response in interacting with their farmers.