Picture: Josua Tawakedrau with his Back to Rural Agriculture farm kit.

One hundred and one (101) happy farmers were the final recipients of successful farmers who received farming tools as part of the Back to Rural Agriculture initiative yesterday.

In handing out the farming equipment to the farmers, Minister of Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy congratulated the farmers who were the final of 375 farmers that became the successful recipients of the initiative after applying online.

“We are very excited to hand over to 101 farmers' Back to Rural Agriculture kits today; 97 in the Central Division; one in the Eastern Division; and three in the North,” the Minister said.

“We targeted 375 individuals who were given a package worth $400 where recipients were given $250 worth of tools including a spade, fork, Jerry can, shalon cloth, axe, rope, and a tarpaulin; $100 worth of planting materials; and $50 cash. The $50 cash is a leeway for the farmer to get whatever else he or she needs to assist with his or her agriculture activities,” he added.

Dr Reddy said from the 375 recipients there would be some that would have done exceptionally well and these would be the ones who would be eligible to apply for the next round of assistance when it reopens next year.

“Whether these farmers wish to apply for the assistance targeting hydroponics, nursery, irrigation set, or the small equipment where the farmer will need to come with his or her one-third contribution; we will support them again and push to get into commercial agriculture.”

Recipient, Mr Josua Tawakedrau thanked the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, officers of the Ministry, and Office of the Prime Minister for assistance such as these that helped farmers like himself.

“We saw when COVID hit us, it really affected us. Some farmers here today are without work so are thankful to the Ministry for this program to help us farmers. As alluded to by the Minister that most of our meat is imported; if we are assisted by the Ministry of Agriculture we will be able to produce more meat for the local market,” he said.

“In 2017, I was one of those that kept going to the Ministry’s Nausori office to enquire about agriculture assistance. It is now 2021 and Christmas is just around the corner and I am thankful to God for finally allowing myself to be selected for this assistance.”

Another recipient, Rosalia Kalouniviti said in iTaukei she and the rest of the recipients were very happy for their farming tools that would help them in their respective farms.

She also thanked Dr Reddy and the Prime Minister for the huge assistance that would ultimately help them move the agriculture sector forward.

-ENDS-

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