Fiji's exports of root crops and vegetables are expected to be affected in the coming weeks as farmers count their losses suffered by flooding during Tropical Depression 04F.
A statement by the Agriculture Ministry reveals that key commodities like dalo or taro suffered damage up to $US2.46 million, cassava suffered more than $US54,000 damage while damage to assorted vegetables reached over $US85,000
The Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu remains optimistic that things will improve quickly.
"Usually our exports are affected but we hope we will pick up very quickly and that is why we are encouraging the farmers and telling them that's the reality in agriculture-there's alot of risks but we should back to it immediately," he said.
Tailevu, Rewa, Naitasiri, Serua and Namosi are some of the biggest farming areas in Fiji and were the worst affected.
The Agriculture Ministry's rehabilitation program will see farmers getting assisted with all the necessities needed to get them back in action as soon as possible.
