Apenisa Waqairadovu 
Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna is urging farmers to maintain food production consistency as El Niño conditions could affect agricultural output in the months ahead.
Tunabuna says commodities such as rice could be affected, making it important for farmers to remain committed to producing local staples.
The Minister says Fiji can very much survive a possible disruption in imports of certain goods. However, how we survive it depends entirely on our farmers.
“Our worry in Fiji is how we can maintain productivity in our Agricultural production system.”
Tunabuna adds the Ministry is promoting better irrigation practices to ensure crops receive adequate water if El Niño conditions impact Fiji.
El Niño conditions are expected to have a greater impact on the western parts of the country, with a study already showing signs of this.
The Minister warns that the sugar industry may be hit the hardest, saying better preparation will be key to sustaining food security.
