Albert Eastgate is a farmer in Gusuisavu, Naitasiri in the Central Division and has been a model farmer for farmers in the vicinity solely because of his ability to produce cattle through his farming methods.

Mr. Eastgate was assisted under the Land Preparation program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways amounting to machine works costing $17,600.00. Works included the “Hump and Hollow” method, the desilting of drain and raised bed and plots for improved pasture, and the grazing of animals on the flatland.

With a total land area of 262 acres, Mr. Eastgate said the assistance has greatly impacted his 4.4 acres grazing farm area.

“All that land down on my flats was an actual swamp and no human being could walk on it nor my cows and it is rightful to do this type of drainage in this field type,” he said.

“I brought the idea back from New Zealand and with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, we were able to contour the pastures forming the ground surface into humps separated by hollows,” he said.

He added that the practice positively impacts his stock in terms of diseases that was a challenge he faced in the past.

“Due to the swampy area, my stock is prone to diseases such as foot rot but through this practice, we can combat it as most of the place is now dry and I am grateful,” he said.

“Another positive outcome apart from foot rot is I have now managed to get rid of the fluke worm amongst my stock which was bad resulting in losing 80% of my stock liver to fluke worm.”

With the recent transformation of his farm, he has advised farmers raising stock in wet flatlands to practice the Hump and Hollow technique.

“Most of the dairy farms are on flatlands in Tailevu and Navua and I encourage farmers to get a big drain out and fill it with the hump and hollow system and they will see a big difference and I recommend it to anyone,” he said.

He added that digging and potting soil on top will bring all the manure settlement and fertilizer and when the pasture grows and the grass turns dark green, it is full of nutrients. 

Agricultural officers in the Central Division recently conducted farm visits to monitor ministry assistance in the Naitasiri Province.

Principal Agriculture Officer (Central), Adriano Tabualevu said it is vital that farmers are visited and projects monitored.

“These farmers have been assisted through various programs of the Ministry and the visit is to monitor and see the impacts of the assistance on the farms,” he said.

“We are happy with the outcomes on Mr. Eastgate’s farm and we will only be too happy to assist other farmers should they wish to apply for the assistance,” added Mr.  Tabualevu.

Farmers are encouraged to visit their nearest agriculture stations to seek further information on the various assistance that is available.

ENDS

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