The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, has promised rice farmers in Dreketi, Macuata, that all drainage issues will be effectively resolved. Mr. Rayalu announced that a drainage board has been established to tackle these concerns. He urged farmers in Vanua Levu to take advantage of this initiative by visiting the drainage board office in Labasa.
Seventy-five-year-old farmer Ram Khewal expressed appreciation for the drainage improvements made at Laqere, Tabia, Labasa. He welcomed the ministry’s efforts, noting that over 50 percent of the drainage work has been completed.
Khewal, who serves as the president of the Laqere Tabia Farmers Cooperative, called on the government to build a seawall at their location to protect rice farms from damage. He highlighted that annually, heavy rains destroy around 30 acres of rice fields, seriously affecting local farmers and food security.
“We have been requesting a seawall for at least four years, but no action has been taken by the Government or the Ministry of Waterways,” he said. Khewal plans to apply for the rice planting subsidy but believes more initiatives could enhance rice production.
He suggested that more consultations are necessary, allowing farmers to communicate their concerns and propose solutions to drainage problems with the government.
In addition, drainage improvements have also been implemented at Soasoa, Labasa, which frequently experiences flooding during heavy rains.