Crops and vegetables given to families in COVID-19 lockdown areas. Picture: SUPPLIED
(Fiji Times)

Published Date: June 27, 2021

By: Waisale Koroiwasa

Naitasiri farmers are hoping the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) begins buying produce from them like it did during the COVID-19 outbreak last year.

Mataiasi Nasautakelo said selling at the Sawani containment border was not viable because of market uncertainly and fluctuating prices.

The Naivucuni, Wainimala, farmer said with the AMA, there would at least be market stability in terms of trade and price.

“During the same period last year we were relieved that AMA bought our produce,” the 32-year-old father of three said.

“It was good for us because we knew that once our farm produce reached Sawani, it would not go to waste.

“This year, they are nowhere to be seen.” Muaniweni farmer Prakash Chand shared similar sentiments and said the best way to help farmers was to buy their farm produce.

“People in the urban centres get food rations and not us,” he said.

“Authorities should buy from us so that when they distribute food rations to people in need, they include farm produce too.

“That way they are helping everyone and especially farmers.”

Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said vegetables would also form part of food ration packs that would be distributed next week.

He made the comment during a press conference on Thursday night.