Picture: Cutting of the commemorative watermelon by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy and Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima and acting Chief Economist Ms. Sera Bose and Fiji Rice Limited Chairman Mr. Raj Sharma.

The Commercial Agriculture Development programmes have received praise from farmers of the Northern Division as these programmes will help to increase production in Vanua Levu. 

Yesterday, two women's clusters were the successful recipients of the Women in Agriculture programme, seven successful recipients were awarded under the Land Clearing Development programme while two farmers received their Orchard Development Programme offer letters at the Commissioner Northern's Office in Labasa.

Land Clearing Development recipient, Tomasi Seru of Seaqaqa who leases 360 acres of land applauded the programme as it would help clear up 4 acres of his unused land.  

Mr. Seru also acknowledged the additional support that was part of the programme which included the provision of planting materials, one component that he had expressed his appreciation for. 

"I only expected to receive the land clearing from the Ministry, and I was happy to receive the call, and today after hearing that planting material will be given too, I have no words to express my gratitude, I am very thankful to the Ministry for this opportunity," he said.

"I am eager to see works begin on my land, and I will surely use this assistance from Government, I plan to plant dalo, pineapple and yaqona on my land to increase my production and income from my farm for my family, I am just so happy," said Mr. Seru. 

Fellow Land Clearing Development recipient, Mr. Atunaisa Tuinayau of Mataqali Navonu from Satulaki Village, Wairiki, Cakaudrove said the members of his mataqali were ecstatic after receiving confirmation of their successful application.  

Mr. Tuinayau, who plants yaqona, dalo, banana and dalo ni tana on his farm said the programme would pave the way for the use of 10 acres of his mataqali land to be brought under agriculture.

"I can attest that following the implementation of this programme, it will boost my production as I will grow ginger and assorted vegetables on my land together with coconut. 

"The 10 acres of land that will be cleared through this programme has been left idle for a few generations now, after our elders had finished planting on it all those years ago, there wasn't any activity done on it but now that is about to change and we have big plans for this piece of land," said Mr. Tuinayau. 

Meanwhile, livestock farmer Charles Jim McCay of Nukunuku, Sasa, Macuata said the programmes offered by the Ministry were commendable as it would drive the sector forward. 

"We thank the Government for generous grants as it will take all of our farming to a new level and we thank you very much for the encouraging efforts put in by the Ministry, and I am sure that it is appreciated by all of us as we will be able to lift up the standard of agriculture here in Macuata," said Mr. McCay.

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