THE Agriculture Ministry has called on farmers to take all necessary precautions to secure life and property as the cyclone approaches Fiji.
Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith said the tropical depression would bring with it strong winds, heavy rain and floods in low-lying areas.
He urged farmers in the low-lying areas to take precautionary measures to minimise flood damage to crops, livestock and property. He said farmers should keep planting materials, equipment, machinery and farm tools in a safe area away from floodwaters.
"This weather will probably be with us during the weekend, so farmers are also advised to take their livestock to higher ground," he said.
"Farmers are strongly advised to clean and clear their drains of all floating debris to ensure that drains are free-flowing and not likely to clog up."
Col Smith said that farmers should inspect their farms as soon as the tropical depression passes for damage and outbreak of diseases or pests.
He said farmers have been asked to seek further advice from agricultural staff in their various localities.