August 2022
“The provision of items and services has given growers a much-needed head start”
Tonga’s agricultural sector recovery from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption is set to be strong.
A report by Nishi Trading Limited says the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, tsunami and ashfall caused an estimated TOP $39M in damages in the agricultural sector, heavily impacting the livelihoods of growers.
However, it reported prospects for growers had brightened with activity returning under the Post Volcanic Recovery Assistance by the Pacific Farmer Organisations.
Nishi Trading Limited has to date facilitated in the provision of 26 growers with farming equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides as well as seeds as part of key plans to restore livelihoods and food and nutrition security.
Project manager Jenny Nishi shared shipping delays on incoming equipment delayed initial plans scheduled for June, however she said the 26 growers have returned to work on the farm having received the items from the Post Volcanic Recovery Assistance.
“In addition to the items provided, 16 growers also received aid in the form of services such as ploughing and slashing where most of the funds were allocated.”
Jenny Nishi said as the assistance scheme nears its completion: “The provision of items and services of the Post Volcanic Recovery Assistance by Pacific Farmers Organisation has given growers a much-needed head start in the recovery of their farms.”