Hope on the Horizon: Are Improved Drainage Systems the Key to Saving Fiji’s Cane Farmers?

Saltwater intrusion is causing significant damage to cane crops in Wailevu, Labasa, leaving farmers in Koronasau, Tabudola, and Tiri facing severe losses and reduced production levels. Local farmer Praveen Lal reports that cane production has dropped by approximately 50%, attributing this decline to poor management after the Waterways department took over drainage responsibilities. For years, farmers’ requests for improvements in drainage systems have gone unheeded.

Nevertheless, the recent efforts by the government to improve the drainage and floodgates have sparked renewed hope among farmers for better yields in the upcoming season. Lal notes that if the previous administration had effectively maintained the water flow and floodgates, the detrimental impacts of saltwater intrusion could have been mitigated.

Wailevu Advisory Councillor Deepak Chand has confirmed that some progress has been made in improving the floodgates and roads over the past weeks, with the formation of a drainage board that has been actively working on cleaning seawalls and creating emergency pathways for the community during flooding events. He remains optimistic about the future as the community has engaged in cane and rice farming for over 60 years, although production has recently suffered due to seawater intrusion.

This situation echoes similar challenges faced by farmers across Fiji, who have been impacted by flooding and inadequate drainage systems in recent years. The Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has acknowledged the ongoing issues and pledged to assess the damage caused by the recent adverse weather, which aligns with calls from farmers for improved drainage management.

While the challenges are daunting, the coordinated efforts and renewed focus on infrastructure improvements offer a glimmer of hope for farmers in the region. The active engagement of local councils, government, and farmers may pave the way for sustainable recovery in Fiji’s agricultural landscape, emphasizing resilience and community collaboration in overcoming environmental challenges.