Saltwater intrusion is wreaking havoc on cane crops in Wailevu, Labasa, leading to substantial losses for farmers in Koronasau, Tabudola, and Tiri. Reports indicate that cane production has plummeted by roughly 50%, with local farmer Praveen Lal attributing this decline to ineffective management of drainage systems since the Waterways department assumed responsibility. Despite persistent pleas for improvements over the years, farmers have seen little action.
But there is a sense of renewed optimism as the government is now focusing on enhancing drainage and floodgates. Lal believes that if past administrations had adequately managed the water flow and maintained the floodgates, the saltwater intrusion’s negative effects could have been lessened.
Wailevu Advisory Councillor Deepak Chand has confirmed improvements in floodgate and road conditions over recent weeks. A newly formed drainage board is actively cleaning seawalls and constructing emergency pathways to assist the community during flooding. Chand’s optimism stems from the fact that local families have engaged in cane and rice farming for more than six decades, although recent seawater intrusion has negatively impacted yields.
Farmers throughout Fiji have faced similar struggles with flooding and inadequate drainage in recent years. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has acknowledged these ongoing issues and committed to evaluating the damage from recent adverse weather, aligning with farmers’ demands for robust drainage management.
While the challenges presented by saltwater intrusion are significant, the government’s commitment to infrastructure improvements signals potential recovery for farmers. This collaboration between local councils and the farming community highlights a focused approach to building resilience and overcoming environmental hurdles, providing hope for a more sustainable agricultural future in Fiji.
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