Picture: Sabeto farmers register their interest to become voluntary members of FNPF at the opening of the Naboutini Sabeto Nursery.

‘There is no reason why Fijian farmers should not be eligible for pension through the Fiji National Provident Fund’. 

This was the message to farmers by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy while officiating at the opening of the Naboutini Sabeto Nursery in Sabeto on Friday (14.8.20). 

He said farmers could become voluntary members of FNPF. 

“Becoming members of Fiji National Provident Fund, will allow you to one; save voluntarily to cater to your retirement post 55. You too will be able to get pension when you retire, like anyone working in the formal sector, whether it be an accountant or teacher or a lawyer or engineer – you also should get pension,” he said. 

Dr Reddy said gone were the days when those in the informal sector could not enjoy the same benefits as those employed in the formal sector. 

However, he said, since farmers lived in small agrarian societies, meeting the requirements to become voluntary members was a daunting task. Therefore, institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, Fiji Rice Limited and other like-minded agencies that directly engaged with the informal sector would ensure that their clients would be registered with the FNPF. 

“It is for this reason, that we are coming out here to make you all members of our only national social security institution. 

“Today, is the second time when we are out here in the interior organizing farmers to become members of our national social security institution, Fiji National Provident Fund. Now, this is not a small feat,” the Minister said. 

He said there were other benefits farmers would also enjoy. 

“Such as withdrawal for education, withdrawal for medical, withdrawal for housing; if you have got that amount of funds accumulated in your account at FNPF. 

“Should there be, God forbid, if any happens to you before you reach 55, your family will get that particular benefit to look after your final rites and support the family during those difficult times. 

“But by 55 if does not happen, you will retire, you get into entrepreneurship and you’ll be able to look after yourself and all others around you will come and be close to you because you’re getting pension.” 

The Minister thanked FNPF and those involved for the assistance rendered to farmers. 

Mosese Lawa Uluicicia, 29yrs, a farmer in Sabeto registered as a voluntary member. 

He said registering meant he could receive a pension. He added that it also meant that he would be eligible for the various assistance provided by FNPF. 

Mr Uluicicia thanked Government and FNPF for making this initiative possible. 

-ENDS-

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