The protection of farmers' livelihoods and the investments they have made on their farm require effective and immediate policies to ensure minimal losses through thefts. 

This was reiterated by Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy during his last consultative visit to Tailevu North dairy farmers for 2019 earlier this week.

Minister Reddy stressed the need to develop a strategy for livestock farmers to protect their livestock and animals as the normal policing was not enough to curb livestock theft in the area. 

“We need to develop an Agricultural Policing Strategy for our farmers to enhance their productivity and to protect them and their livestock,” he said.

This was highlighted by Minister Reddy after issues were raised by farmers on the need to enforce legislation as farmers were concerned with the increasing reported cases of livestock thefts. 

“We will work closely with the Ministry of Defence to develop a strategy and take the industry forward for our dairy farmers with regards to the safeguarding of your animals," he said.

Dairy farmers of Tailevu North welcomed the assurances made by Minister Reddy as thefts had impacted their livelihoods.

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