Dear Editor, Kiriau Turepu used to be the minister for agriculture and environment and had at the time the unique opportunity to turn the islands into an organic self-sustaining producer (Fertiliser shortage threatens crops, says former Agriculture minister, March 22).

Instead, all he did was import banned weed killers that kill the lagoon life and many domestic dogs and cats.

What an arrogant comment to say women don’t know how to plant when he is standing next to his wife.

There are people on the islands who know how to support growth without the need for chemicals. This is what is missing in the ministry especially when he was in charge. He is right when he says Prime Minister Mark Brown promises diversification and gives nothing to agriculture.

The ministry needs to sell itself as a sustainable climate change answer to feeding the population and then they can cash in on all the funding the government gets for infrastructure and climate change. Kiriau instead of talking BS you could be promoting the use of actual bull, pig and chicken s*** to grow plants.

RA

(Name and address supplied)