The Ministry of Agriculture has ensured market access for a new variety of Red Pontiac potato and launched a new Farmers Trust scheme under the Nadarivatu Development Program.

Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Mahendra Reddy says close to 7000 kilograms of the new potato variety has been harvested and being purchased by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) at a guaranteed price of $1.50 per kilogram.

The Farmers Trust he says will deduct 15 percent from crop sales by farmers, to go towards their own preparations for new planting seasons.

Farmers have also been urged to open bank accounts for savings, with Minister Reddy confirming that they want to help them establish accounts with the Fiji National Provident Fund, for social security in retirement.

Executive Chairman of Agriculture Marketing Authority, Setareki Tale noted the positive attributes of the new potato variety.

Potatoes were harvested from over 20 farmers, with more farms to be visited by the AMA.

Tale says they expect to assist just under 50 farmers through potato farming in Nadarivatu, Ra, Ba, Tavua and Navosa.

In addition, nine farmers have signed onto the Farmers Trust Scheme and the Ministry seeks to expand this to a social assistance scheme whereby part of the farmers’ proceeds go towards the welfare of their children in the new school year.