FARMERS in the Northern division have been assured improved service delivery from the Ministry of Agriculture in the near future.
According to Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy, the improved service by would be by way of officers on the ground aiming for change at the farm level.
During his recent visit to the Northern Division, Dr Reddy assured enhanced visibility of ministry officials on the ground to provide continuous support and assistance to farmers.
“We need to build capacity as our research stations are doing a very good job, but we need to increase more and more so that there is enough supply for the farmers from our stations where we want to help the farmers to double their production levels from what they are currently producing now,” Dr Reddy said.
“The farmers can expect or get geared up to adopt change, slowly, as it is for their betterment in the farming system and techniques.”
Dr Reddy said focus areas in the Northern Division would generally centre on the expansion and growth of the agricultural sector and food security.
“Apart from this we will also focus on the service delivery by the officers on the ground to the farmers in order to expand and develop the crop and livestock sector for the farmers,” he said.
Dr Reddy had also directed officials to take their roles and responsibilities seriously in serving farmers regardless of their locality while visiting Agriculture Stations in the North.
“I had briefly alluded to them about some of the new projects that might come up soon and for them to get prepared and work towards delivering those projects to the farmers soon after it is implemented,” he said.
“Services to farmers should be delivered regardless of locality and geographical locations, for instance, a farmer from Cakaudrove may visit the Labasa office, we will be assisting them here and not sending them back to Cakaudrove office like it was done in the past.”
