FIJI faces a shortage of dalo which has affected supply to export and local markets, says Principal Agriculture Officer North John Cox.
Mr Cox said about 70,000 tonnes of dalo were produced annually.
However, statistics to show the shortage was not available as data was still being compiled.
However, Mr Cox said the shortage was because of lack of farming activities during the low price season.
"Whenever the price of dalo drops because of high supply, farmers cut down on farming activities and move into other crop farming.
"So when this happens, it results in a situation we face right now with a shortage of dalo," Mr Cox said.
He said another contributing factor was the dry weather.
"The dry weather usually affects growth of dalo even early maturity for the crops. Crops that are supposed to mature this month have matured in August or September so it affects size and weight.
"When exporting dalo, it has a standard to meet and criteria as well so the size condition of the crop matters," Mr Cox said.
"Every year we have always reminded farmers to continue to plant dalo even if the price is low. The only reason we urge farmers to continue planting dalo is because we want to avoid a situation like we face today."
Mr Cox said his department continued to work with farmers in increasing awareness on dalo farming.