The farming community of Muaniweni, Naitasiri is well known for its hardworking farmers who tirelessly toil the land throughout the year to produce root crops and vegetables.

For a group of eight farmers, today was a special day, as they received their own tractor which they had partially paid for through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Farm Mechanisation Program.

Speaking today during the handing over, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu said that mechanisation is the way forward for farmers if they want to penetrate the bigger markets.

“Farm mechanisation is a key strategy to meet the growing demands of the market by enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency. Machinery like tractors, combine harvesters, and planters perform tasks much faster than manual labour, allowing for larger areas to be covered in less time."

“You will be less reliant on manual labour and at the same time it reduces your input costs. Your farm will perform consistently especially in terms of quality of products,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“Higher yields are expected especially with efficient planting, cultivating, and harvesting techniques. Mechanisation can allow for multiple cropping cycles per year by speeding up field preparation and harvesting.”

Overall, farm mechanization can significantly boost productivity and efficiency, helping farmers meet market demands while also contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

“I am happy to be handing over this tractor to the members of the Duitagi Farmers Cooperative and hope that you will also be able to assist other farmers in your vicinity.”

Hon. Rayalu added that the Coalition Government is encouraging farmers in Fiji to form cooperatives so that they are able to have bargaining powers and a voice when it comes to seeking assistance from government or other financial institutions.

“I am happy to see the healthy synergy between the members of this cooperative and know that you will surely prosper in the years ahead with regards to agricultural development. It is important that farmers join or form cooperatives so that they can access services and assistance from agencies and so forth.”

“Please know that the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have stations and offices across Fiji and that is the office for all farmers. You are the most important client for the ministry and you have to ensure that you visit our staff to seek their advice or just share your plans on the type of agricultural program you wish to pursue.”

“It is the duty of every agricultural officer in our stations to serve you. Sit with them and let them know what your intentions are in terms of starting your farms or growing your existing farms,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“And I applaud the Duitagi Farmers Cooperative for being persistent and working with the locality officer and being able to receive their tractor today,” added Hon. Rayalu.

The Duitagi Farmers Cooperative was formed last year and consists of four Indian and four i-taukei farmers.

According to Duitagi Cooperative President, Mr. Jitendra Prasad, hiring out tractors will now be a thing of the past as they look forward to increased production using their own machine.

“We are so thankful and happy that we were considered for the tractor assistance and of course all members pitched in for our one third cost of $16,000.00. It is truly a dream come true for us and we know that we will continue to work hard on our farms,” smiled Mr. Prasad.

The 53-year-old farmer was born and raised in Muaniweni to farming parents and he says that farming has always been in his blood.

“When my parents knew that the farm was in good hands, they moved to the United States of America and handed the reins to me. I am thankful to my parents and family for their continuous support over the years which has enabled me to reach this far,” he smiled.

With 40 acres of land, Mr. Prasad has been planting dalo, sweet potato or locally known as kumala and assorted vegetables for the local markets as well as supplying to exporters.

Secretary of the cooperative, 60-year-old Apolosa Nimacere is a retired soldier who has served the country with pride and passion.

“After seven tours to Middle East countries for peacekeeping duties, I retired and am now engaged in full time farming in Nacokaika Village. The other i-taukei farmers could not be here today for this handing over as they have taken their produce to the market,” smiled Mr. Nimacere.

“That is how committed we are to farming, we have no time to rest because we know that farming is our source of livelihood.”

“We are grateful to be part of the Duitagi Farmers Cooperative because we have learned to share tips and knowledge of farming as well as easy access to market outlets.”

Mr. Nimacere says that farmers have no problem when it comes to food and income security.

“During the pandemic and the lockdown, farmers were the only ones who were active in the farms and were able to supply fresh fruits, root crops and vegetables to market outlets across Fiji,” added Mr. Nimacere.

Both farmers agree that mechanisation is truly the way forward if farmers are thinking of large-scale farming.

“Gone are the days when we used cane knives, forks and spades for land preparation. That has proven to be too labour-intensive and so much time is wasted on small activities. ”

“With farm machinery, production is tripled and so much is achieved in a short span of time. We encourage farming communities to form cooperatives and learn to work together. Like the solesolevaki method, cooperatives is similar as we will be able to share resources and knowledge of growing our farms,” added Mr. Nimacere.

Totalling 130 acres of farmland, the Duitagi Farmers Cooperative members believe that they will surely triple their production in the coming months.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have funding in the 2024-2025 financial year to support more cooperatives under the Farm Mechanisation Program and is encouraging farmers to visit their nearest agriculture station for advice and more information.

-ENDS-

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