Fiji has launched six targeted initiatives to help farmers cope with prolonged dry conditions caused by El Niño, covering emergency water supplies, livestock feed, planting materials, climate-resilient farming and household food security.

The package was announced in Suva on 11 November by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, after assessments of conditions across the country and reports of growing pressure on farmers, agricultural production and household livelihoods.

Farmers have reported shrinking water supplies, crop losses, damaged pastures and falling farm incomes as the El Niño-driven dry spell continues.

The six initiatives

The first initiative, Emergency Farm Water and Irrigation, will provide water tanks, emergency water delivery, water conveyance systems and irrigation kits, with targeted irrigation for sugarcane where technically appropriate.

The second will support livestock farmers through cut-and-carry feeding, silage, supplementary feed, livestock water, strategic destocking advice, bee feed and essential veterinary treatment.

Under the third initiative, farmers will receive support to access climate-resilient planting materials and seeds for crops including dalo, kawai, tivoli, yams, vegetables, kumala, rice and cassava.

The fourth will promote climate-smart agriculture and soil moisture conservation through mulching, minimum tillage, cover crops, protected cropping, drip irrigation, drought-tolerant varieties, demonstration sites and water harvesting.

The fifth will focus on household and community food security through home gardening, community nurseries, backyard farming and communal food production, particularly in communities facing pressure on food supplies.

The sixth initiative targets the sugar industry through trash retention, minimum tillage, crop-stress mapping, regular crop checks, targeted irrigation, wildfire advisories and access to suitable early-maturity seed cane.

How farmers can apply

Farmers can apply through an Expression of Interest form, available from Ministry offices or on the Ministry's website. The submission period will initially remain open for one week, and the Ministry will then assess whether it should be extended.

Minister Tunabuna stressed that submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee assistance. Applications will be assessed on eligibility, field verification, technical suitability, the severity of the impact and the resources available.

The six initiatives mark the first stage of the Ministry's targeted El Niño response, with conditions continuing to be monitored and interventions reviewed as further information becomes available.

Drought already biting

The drought has already strained Fiji's water supplies. A policy paper published on 4 November noted that 19 of 44 monitored Water Authority of Fiji sources were at critical levels as at 1 November, with about 24,600 people experiencing intermittent supply or relying on water carting.

The government has also deployed additional water trucks and treatment plants in recent weeks as part of the wider drought response.

Sources: Pacific Islands News Association and Mai TV Fiji.