The perseverance and commitment of farmers in the Western Division, particularly those of farmers from along Valley Road in Sigatoka during the COVID-19 lockdown period have been commended.

While handing out the Small Farming Equipment to recipients in Barara, Valley Road, Sigatoka earlier this week, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy said despite the obstacles they were faced with, farmers continued to supply to the markets and feed the nation.

“Valley Road is a special place, a well-known place for its role and contribution to Fiji’s cash crop agriculture. Whenever you talk about the exports of agricultural and horticultural produce, the supply of horticultural produce to feed the nation, then this area, Valley Road, the Salad Bowl of Fiji is well renowned and is placed right at the top of the list.

“I want to thank all the farmers here for their hard work and perseverance and I want to also thank them for their determination and patience during the COVID-19 period when there were all kinds of impediments to getting their produce to all the markets, whether to Suva, Lautoka or for the export market, I applaud you for your can-do attitude,” said Hon. Reddy.

He highlighted that the small farming equipment that was being handed over to the farmers was part of the Ministry’s efforts to progressively address the issue of a lack of mechanization at the farm level.

“There is a number of binding constraints in agriculture, there are a number of critical factors that contribute to agriculture growth and development and one of those factors that we are emphasizing in the Ministry is that we need to improve the rate of mechanization. 

“Agricultural growth cannot take place at the pace at which we want without introducing mechanization, the current era’s agricultural revolution requires mechanization. Mechanization contributes to improved or increased productivity, enhancing efficiency, reduction of costs, and it also improves in post-harvest processes,” said Hon. Reddy.

“So we are now at a juncture in agriculture growth and development in Fiji where we need to introduce mechanization in different ways, phases and stages of production.

“So today we are here to contribute and enhance your production activity through a leverage on mechanization, whether it is the introduction of small equipment (rotavators, tractor) or the establishment of irrigation facility in your farm,” Minister Reddy added. 

A total of 18 farmers from around Sigatoka and Nadi received their offer letters on Wednesday at Barara and are set to procure their respective rotavators, mini-tractors and irrigation kits.

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