Flood damage assessments of farms
Initial flood damage assessments by the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) reveal mixed impacts across farms in the Western and Northern divisions. While some areas like Labasa and Seaqaqa saw minimal damage, others faced waterlogging and infrastructure issues. SCGF is collaborating with authorities to clear waterlogged trenches and aid recovery.
INITIAL damage assessments of flood affected areas in the Western and Northern divisions by the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) have shown a mixture of farms impacted while others were unaffected by last month’s heavy downpours.
SCGF chief executive officer Raj Sharma said they were working with the Drainage Board to clear up waterlogged trenches near farms to ensure a quick recovery.
“During our visitation and inspection over the weekend, we did not record a major damage but the observations in Labasa and Seaqaqa show farms in Naleba, Soasoa, Vunivau and Korotari had no major damages sustained from the recent flooding,” said Mr Raj.
“Some low-laying crossings were flooded but no major damages caused to nearby farms.
“In some farms, there are waterlogging due to farm scopes and drainage issues.”
Mr Sharma said in-farm drainage works in these farms had also assisted in the quick return of floodwaters.
He said there were no reports of cane and structural damages in farms in Ba.
“Only low-lying cane farms collected water and the same is receding gradually, however, I have also consulted Ministry of Waterways and Drainage Board for the fixing of these issues.
“Some bridge edges in Valevotu and Nacai were washed away and access to town is a problem while the Veisaru Bridge in Vuntuni also suffered some damage.”
Mr Sharma said growers in this situation would visit the Sugar Cane Growers Council for parametric insurance assistance.
“In Tavua and Rakiraki the damage to cane was very minimal to nil in farms on hilly terrains. Flat areas like Mataniwai, Nabuna, Yaladro is where the water segment remains an unsolved issue. There were noted damages to small crossings and significant damages to vegetable farms.”
He added similar observations in Lautoka while in Nadi, a farmer would need assistance because his house was damaged in the floods.
“In Nawaicoba, Arolevu, Korovuto, Malolo, Qeleloa and Togomasi areas, there was not much damage to cane crop.
“However, cane damage has been noted on a few farms in Qeleloa area due to flooding.
“There has been structural damage to one of the farmer’s houses due to flooding in Qeleloa.
“Most of the farmers have sustained losses for additional income from vegetable farming.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sugar is working out a way to assist affected farmers.
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