Farmers in the drought stricken areas of the Western Division should practice safe farming methods.
Director Extension, Ropate Ligairi made the comment in the wake of the prevailing dry weather conditions in the Western Division which is taking its toll on the Agriculture sector.
According to a report compiled by the Agriculture, ground wells and creeks are drying up and water flow in the river have decreased substantially which is making irrigation difficult.
Ligairi said the Ministry hopes that farmers will act quickly and salvage crops that should be harvested now, so that they are able to at least get some income for their families.
He added farmers at this point in time should practice mulching whereby they collect grass that have been cut around the farm and place it at the base of their plant as this retains moisture level and also provides soil cover for the plant.
Ligairi is also advising farmers to refrain from weeding their farms at the moment so that moisture is contained in the soil especially during the early morning dew.
Meanwhile following a meeting last week by the Drought Steering Committee, it was decided that the Prime Minister and Minister for Natural Disaster Management Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will make a decision on whether a state of drought will be declared for Fiji.
Story by: Ana Naisoro
