The Small Farming and Agro-Processing Equipment programme is expected to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the production system.

This was shared by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy while making the announcement today (04.08.22) of the inclusion of this programme at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Legalega Research Station in Nadi.

Minister Reddy said that aligning with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Priority 4 and 5 which focuses on improving these key fundamentals of the production system, this intervention will undoubtedly support the policy intention of the Fijian Government through modernizing agriculture.

“Small Farming and Agro-Processing Equipment is included in the initiative for first-time grantees.

“With a budget of $592,958, 200 farmers can buy equipment valued at up to $5,000 (2/3 government contribution). Farmers and agro producers can buy Rotavators, Power Tillers, Mist Blowers, farm implements, and agro-processing tools like VCOs, Flour Milling Machines, Slicers, Coconut Scraping Equipment, Hydraulic Presses, Vacuum Packing Machines, Vanilla Curing Equipment, and Dryers.

“Farmers will employ these tools to mechanize processes in order to improve productivity and efficiency.

The small farming equipment project further intends to address the labour shortages and ageing farmers by providing small machines.

Agro processors will be supported through the provision of; equipment, tools and resources to increase agricultural production and reduce cost. This initiative also supports the Highland Farming Programme.

This program has two objectives because it provides both small farming equipment (SFE) and agro-processing equipment.

Applicants must be full-time farmers with a consistent production history over the previous two years in order to be eligible for the SFE program, and you must show proof of secured leased land with a minimum area of 5 acres. If an applicant cultivates on communal land, they must provide formal written permission from the Yavusa/Mataqali/Tokatoka, which must be witnessed by one of the following: a Turaga ni Koro, a District Officer, a Commissioner of Oaths, or a Justice of the Peace. Each candidate must state that farming is their only source of income.

In order to be eligible for an agro-processing machine, a candidate must demonstrate that they have been a value-adding entrepreneur for the previous three years, that they have completed value-adding training, and that they have demonstrable manufacturing skills in their chosen field of agro-processing, particularly when it comes to transforming raw materials or primary products.

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