SUVA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Vegetable prices in Fiji are souring and other negative implications are expected for farmers and Fiji's economic activities, as the current weather patterns of a dry spell, as a result of El Nino effect, hits the Pacific island nation.

    Fiji's drought situation is expected to become worse for a while before gradual alleviation in January, the weather office warned on Friday.

    Farmers as well as the business community are bracing for more negative outcomes.

    What is even more shocking is that water levels from the Monasavu Dam that supplies electricity to Fiji has been of concern to the Fiji Electricity Authority as rainfall in the area has been below average.

    While indications suggest the El Nino effect could enter into January 2010, Meteorology Director Rajendra Prasad said it was difficult to predict beyond that.

    El Nino phenomenon appeared a few months ago but its slow progression caused no immediate effects. However, recent findings are causing shock waves to the communities especially when many in rural Fiji depend on farming for a living.

    Despite this being a wet season, effects of the El Nino phenomenon have caused suppressed rainfall.

    Good rainfall was experienced in September.

    The dry spell commenced in the second half of September in parts of Fiji and has since spread and escalated to at least a meteorological drought in most parts in the country.

    This is being blamed on the El Nino phenomenon which has recently developed from weak to moderate strength.

    Fiji's Ministry of Primary Industries is urging farmers around the country to take extra care during the current El Nino period that is affecting some areas drastically.

    According to reports from agriculture stations, some parts of the county like Macuata in the Northern Division and areas in the Western Division have been without rain for about two months and are facing long dry spells which could lead to setbacks in agricultural production.

    Principal Agriculture Officer Suliasi Tawake said that a long dry spell is always a threat to Fiji's crop production and development.

    "This has been experienced in the past which affects vegetable and fruit supply both for export and local consumption," Tawake said.

    "When drought sets in, continuity of supply and quality is affected and the ministry is trying its best to address the issues through its capital program," he said.

    "Precautionary measures should be taken on board by farmers in affected areas and we plead with farmers to refrain from burning dry grassland or bushes as this could create havoc in the area concerned," he added.

    Currently irrigation schemes have already been established in the Sigatoka Valley and Nadi for group farmers while individually owned water pumps are also in operation in vegetables growing areas in the Western Division.

    Farmers have been advised frequently to take into consideration other measures like practicing crop mulching, planting tolerant varieties and maintaining successive planting through out.

    Farmers around the country are also advised to visit agriculture stations if they need further clarification or advice on precautionary measures that they can carry out in their fields according to the crops planted.