Latest update June 3rd, 2026 12:40 AM
The Agri sector in Region One needs urgent attention
Dear Editor,
During a recent visit to the Aruka River in the North West District, Region #1, the farmers reported to me that they were badly affected by the recent flooding and they have lost almost all their cash crops and ground provisions, so they are in dire need of planting materials, because their neighbours also suffer the same faith.
A representative of the Ministry of Agriculture had meetings with farmers of the region and they were promised that they would assist them to get back planting materials. One farmer told me that he suffered the loss of over five (5) acres, and like the other farmers he also was only given five pounds of ginger to plant. He said he was surprised to receive only five pounds of ginger, and expressed to the representative that that was only enough to make ginger beer, and is no help for a farmer.
So some farmers decided to plant permanent crops – citrus and avacado -but when they visited the Agriculture Station it was like a ghost town, with overgrown bushes and buildings falling apart. They were told by the Agriculture representative present that there are no avacado or citrus, but they would be able to get one billimby, a passion fruit and maybe one five finger plant but nothing else. I have confirmed this with the Agriculture Representative at the Kumaka Extension Centre, who said that they may be able to get some plants next year.
Please Note: The Hosororo Agriculture Station was once a striving nursery with planting materials, people from different parts of the country used to get supplies from there. Many farmers in the region depend only on their farms for their survival.
Urgent attention needs to be given to the Agriculture sector in Region One.
Desmond Fernandes, MP
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