On the third day of his official visit to the Northern Division, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu visited Drekeniwai Village in Navatu, Cakaudrove.

Speaking to the villagers, Hon. Rayalu called for greater collaboration in order for community members to thrive in agriculture.

“We need to work together to combat the effects of climate change so that we are able to continue farming and elevate it to the next level. If we are still at the subsistence stage, then we need to lift it to the semi commercial and commercial stage,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“During my visit this week, I have observed the sorry state of our waterways infrastructure and I will return with the team to properly map the way forward and the immediate needs that must be addressed,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“I urge you to continue farming for your families so that you are food secure. Please work with the agriculture officers based in your respective locality and speak to them on your plans and other agricultural projects that you wish to venture into.”

“There is so much idle land which I hope to see utilised in the months ahead,” added Hon. Rayalu.

After discussions with the villagers, Hon. Rayalu also visited the nature based seawall which was constructed by the Waterways Division back in 2022.

The Waterways Division had erected a 450 metres nature based seawall on the coastal end of the village at a cost of $40,605.22. They also planted around 3000 vertiver plants along the seawall to assist in mitigating the effects of erosion.

Villagers had requested for additional work to be carried out which will be incorporated in the upcoming activities of the Waterways Division.

The entourage also visited the Nabua Rice Farmers also in Cakaudrove, and heard first-hand of the challenges that they face.

Hon. Rayalu is adamant to address all the drainage issues in the North to ensure that agricultural production thrives once again for the farmers who depend on it for their livelihoods.

ENDS

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