Farmers

The assistance is part of its sector initiatives to increase household income and national earnings as part of the Government COVID-19 economic recovery.

“The programme includes financial support for rural farmers who are part of the Government Cooperative Society Empowerment Program (FCSEP), helping farmers in Tongatapu, Vava‘u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua with access to finance that will fund agricultural inputs to increase production of marketable crops and increase our exports to improve family livelihoods” said Prime Minister Reverend Dr. Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa in a statement.

However, while the kingdom is expecting strong winds Tongatapu locals are celebrating the arrival of plentiful winter rain.

Kaniva News reports farmers and growers took to social media to welcome the weather saying it was a blessing.

Some land areas in Tongatapu began to experience significant dryness because there had been no rain for some time.

A gale warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ʻEua land areas, Tonga Met Services said today.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Niua and Vavaʻu land areas.