Picture: Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy and the Ministry of Agriculture staff with Sariyawa Rice Farmers Cluster I.

Farming clusters and farmers have applauded the Fijian Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, for its continuous support which sets the precedent for sustained agricultural development.

Through the provision of irrigation kits, small farming equipment, nursery materials, portable rice mills and other introduced machinery and technology to farmers, successful recipients have shown their gratitude to the Ministry for its laudable work in promoting the potential of the agriculture sector. 

For Mr Rameshwar Prasad, President of Sariyawa Rice Farmers Cluster I, the news of their receiving the portable rice mill in their area has spurred increased interest from other farmers in their area to plant more rice.

“We are very, very happy and this portable rice mill is very good for us rice farmers here in Sariyawa, thanks to the Ministry, more farmers are coming and want to grow rice now because they see Government doing a good job, we are very happy now because we just mill our rice here and eat,” said a jubilant Mr. Prasad. 

Whereas for Mr. Joseva Nakadi, who spoke on behalf of Mataqali Noibuli of Bavu Village, who were recipients of fencing kit assistance in Nabu, said the members of their mataqali had tried tirelessly to secure assistance to safely fence their cattle. 

“I want to thank the Government for its intervention and assistance in providing us with the fencing materials, it has been a long time coming and we are now relieved to receive this as we are realizing now the fruits of our persistence and determination to get this done, we are just thankful to the Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners for this huge development,” said Mr. Nakadi.

“We have more than 80 cattle who graze on our Mataqali land, we’ve tried long to develop this land and operate it as a cattle farm but without the proper facility, we found it difficult to keep them tethered securely but with this assistance, we can plan and better set out more opportunities,” added Mr. Nakadi.

For irrigation kit recipient, 64-year-old Samuela Rokomatu of Rabulu Village in Ra, the kit will help to ensure he plants vegetables year-round.

“My son and I are farming in the village and we have 10-acres of land and I am indebted to the Ministry for choosing us as recipients to receive this irrigation kit, considering the hard times we are now facing.

“I plant vegetables and vegetables need constant watering and this assistance will surely have a positive impact on my farm. I have always advised my children to look to farming to meet their needs and through this assistance, I know I can grow right throughout the year and meet my market’s demand,” said Mr. Rokomatu.

Fellow irrigation kit recipient Mr. Rajlesh Dayal of Naria settlement in Ra said he was fortunate to have been selected from the numerous applications the Ministry received as he had plans to further his farm towards the commercial level. 

“I feel very happy to receive this assistance because, during the dry time, I can’t do anything because there is no water available for my farm, though there is water supply it’s hard to cart water to my farm from the river and with this kit, I will be able to plant even when it is dry,” said Mr. Dayal. 

The Ministry of Agriculture will continue its distribution of assistance throughout Fiji to all its successful applicants who had applied online for all its major development programmes.

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