6 Jan 2017

Fiji dairy farmers still waiting for assistance

7:35 pm on 6 January 2017

Some dairy farmers in Fiji say they are still waiting for government assistance after Cyclone Winston nearly a year ago, and their problems have been compounded by recent flooding.

Destruction in the Tailevu province, in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, following Cyclone Winston.

Destruction in the Tailevu province, in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, following Cyclone Winston. Photo: TWITTER / @FijiRedCross

Farmers in Naitasiri, on eastern Viti Levu, say they are struggling to recover from the flooding brought by a tropical depression in early December.

They told the FBC that they have lost a lot of income and their cattle are suffering because grasslands were damaged by floodwaters.

The president of the Burenicava Dairy Farmers Association, Vijendra Prakash, said the damage caused by the flooding is just as that done by Cyclone Winston.

The agriculture ministry said affected dairy farmers will be assisted with cattle feed and medication.

Flooding in Fiji dec 2016

About 1000 people from Muana village in fiji's Rewa River delta say they are running out of food and supplies after six days of heavy rain. Photo: Supplied / Bale Bulimaivale