Under the Small Farming Equipment (SFE) program, the Ministry of Agriculture earlier this week distributed small farming equipment to two different vegetable farmers in Vanua Levu.

A mini-tractor with implements was given to Mr. Dinesh Chandra of Boubale, Bulileka in Labasa, and a power tiller with implements was given to Mr. Hem Raj of Lagalaga in Macuata by the Ministry of Agriculture.

While presenting the equipment, Minister for Agriculture Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy stated that the Fijian government was dedicated to helping all farmers reach their full potential and guiding the agriculture sector toward becoming a $1 billion industry.

"The government is committed to developing you all so that you can realize your aspirations and potential and contribute to the country’s overall growth and development, particularly in your role as farmers," he said.

"I applaud you for investing in farm mechanization because we must significantly increase our production going forward, and mechanization is one way to do that. One way to deal with the labour shortage and lack of farm equipment is to do this.

"The Small Farming Equipment Program was established so that farmers could own machinery and increase productivity and farm efficiency. I am happy to see farmers saving their money and turning to mechanization to further expand their farms," said Hon. Reddy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dinesh Raj thanked the Ministry of Agriculture for providing him with the mini-tractor and implements, saying that it would greatly help him prepare his 5-acre land.

"I plant English cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, and other assorted vegetables, and something that I always find difficulty in is preparing my land because there are no labourers. I am very very happy to be assisted with this one third – two third programme," said Mr. Raj.

These Northern Division recipients are among the successful lot of farmers who were selected during the 2021–2022 financial year. The SFE program incorporates the one third, two third payment model of government assistance, with applicants subject to a strict and rigorous vetting process to choose its successful recipients. Interested farmers can access the online application portal for the SFE program through our website, www.agriculture.gov.fj or on the official Ministry of Agriculture Fiji Facebook page.

The SFE program is once again open, and applications are still welcome.

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