In the 2023-2024 financial year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has already assisted 617 farmers in the Central Division through the Outsource Programme.

This programme enables drainage, irrigation, land clearing and land preparation works to be carried out through a 50/50 payment scheme.

Farmers who apply for the assistance will pay half the cost of works and the Ministry will pay the other half.

According to Principal Agricultural Officer (Central) Adriano Tabualevu, the interest had really spiked in its first year of initiation.

“This was the first time that we had arranged for the Outsource Programme as it gave opportunities for companies to hire out their machines on a 50/50 payment basis. Farmers in the Central Division have shown their appreciation as works have become faster and they do not have to rely on the Government machines which are often tied up with works in other divisions,” explained Mr. Tabualevu.

“We already have farmers in our waiting list and this goes to show the huge demand for land preparation works. Mechanized farming is truly the way to go now if farmers want to switch from subsistence level to semi commercial and commercial farming.”

Several success stories have emerged from the assistance and Emoni Madrai, a 40-year old dairy farmer in Viria, Naitasiri can attest to the successful implementation of his farm road through the Outsource Programme.

He has managed to expand his dalo farm and provide a dry road and paddock for his cattle to move freely during milking session.

“My farm was always bogged due to rain stuck on the road and it was difficult for my cattle to move around. Forty hours of digger works for the farm drains were carried out and now my cows are moving around freely in the paddock without fear of being stuck in the mud. I also managed to have land preparation works included in the total works carried out in which I planted 3,500 dalo of the tausala variety,” explained Mr. Madrai.

“Thank you Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the huge assistance,” he smiled.

Another farmer, 43 year old Alipate Tabuakatudrau of Serea in Naitasiri is also grateful for the huge assistance that was rendered to him.

“I have 20 acres of land which I acquired back in 2015. It was covered with African Tulip trees so I didn’t have a clue what to plant at that time,” smiled Mr. Tabuakatudrau.

He went on to say that he only started utilizing a small portion of his land as he found it difficult to find the finances for land clearing works.

He planted cassava, dalo and ginger and started saving money for hiring a digger for land clearing works.

“Early this year after another successful visit to the Agriculture Station, I finally managed to have my name included in the list for the Outsource Programme. The machines were hired for a total of 60 hours and more land was cleared which will soon be planted with more crops,” he smiled.”

“I must thank the Ministry for Agriculture and Waterways for the huge assistance as I am now able to expand my farming activities.”

He hopes to penetrate the export markets soon and is calling upon young men and women across Fiji to utilise the land as it has so much to offer.

“There is nothing sweeter than earning money from the sweat of your brows,” added Mr. Tabuakatudrau.

Meanwhile, the Ministry will incorporate the same program in the next financial year and is encouraging farmers to visit their nearest agriculture station for more advice and information.

ENDS

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