ONE of the biggest suppliers of root crops and vegetables to the Nadi Market is facing difficulties after the destruction caused to farms by Tropical Cyclone Evan.
Nagado Village headman Peniasi Dakuwaqa said the village had been one of the main suppliers of dalo, cassava, vegetables and yaqona to the market for the past 30 years.
Mr Dakuwaqa said for the first time in many years, villagers were buying kumala from the market since nearly all farms were destroyed by the cyclone.
"After the cyclone, we haven't been to the market to sell our farm produce.
"Instead, we are buying kumala from the market to feed our family," he said.
"This village is known for producing dalo, cassava and vegetables but now we hardly have anything on our farms.
"The villagers are facing difficulties in feeding their families as we haven't received food rations since after the flood."
Mr Dakuwaqa said it would take about three to six months to recover from the losses.
"Most villagers depend on their farms to support their daily needs.
"Schoolchildren also depended on the sales of farm produce to support their educational needs.
"Our lives have been affected with the damage to farms."
Mr Dakuwaqa said the villagers had not received any food rations.
He said talks had been ongoing with the government to provide food rations to the affected villagers.
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki had earlier stated efforts would be concentrated on the distribution of additional food rations with rehab and reconstruction phase slowly gaining momentum.
"At the same time verifications will still continue based on applications and requests that have been received by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces," he said.