The Natogadravu Village Farming Cluster in Natogadravu Village, Nuku in Tailevu vow to increase their farming programs, after receiving a brand new tractor from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, under its Farm Mechanisation Program.

Speaking during the handing over this morning in Natogadravu Village, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu thanked the members of the cluster for their vision and foresight, in wanting to increase their farming production through mechanised farming.

“Mechanised farming is really the way to go if farmers are looking at elevating their farming production to the next level. With machines, less time is spent and a huge area is covered in a short span of time with regards to land preparation works,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“Through your one third contribution, you now receive a brand new tractor which will ensure more agricultural production. The onus is now on you to encourage more people in the village to engage in farming for better livelihoods,” added Hon. Rayalu.

Hon. Rayalu also spoke on the need for villagers to be vigilant and assist in the Coalition Government efforts of fighting against drug use and abuse.

“That is why I am pleading with the elderly members in the village to continue to monitor your children and their whereabouts. Speak to them daily on the impacts of peer pressure and drug use as well as the health and mental challenges that they will face,” advised Hon. Rayalu.

“There is so much land available around us and assistance as well. All you need to do is take the first step. I am pleading with village elders, church leaders and village headmen in our respective villages to work with us to elevate our standard of living through farming,” advised Hon. Rayalu.

“If we work hard to toil the unutilized land around us, I am sure, Fiji will be food secure for generations to come. All we need is to encourage more young men and women to engage in agriculture and help secure their future through extensive farming.”

Natogadravu Village Farming Cluster- Group President, Orisi Rokovosa said that the tractor is a breath of fresh air to the cluster and they are adamant to grow their respective farms.

“We had so many hardships before with regards to land preparation works especially on our cluster farm. But I believe, this new tractor will ease all our past problems and we will not have to worry about hiring machines.”

“We vow to use the tractor to its maximum capacity and to also operate it as a business. There are plans in place with regards to the hiring of the tractor with reduced costs to the cluster members and this will assist in the repair and upkeep of the tractor for years to come,” added Mr. Rokovosa.

The cluster was established in 2015 and currently has 26 members and the group members are mostly engaged in root crop farming and assorted vegetables.

The cluster mainly utilises Mataqali owned land for agricultural development in the area and Mr. Rokovosa adds that the assistance by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will surely benefit 98 households and 491 members of the Yavusa towards elevating their living standards from increased farming income.

They currently have 1.5 acres cultivated with dalo, 2.6 acres covered with cassava and 0.5 acres under kumala.

Assistance with tractor machinery and ploughing support is crucial for the expansion of the clusters agricultural operations.

This assistance will not enable them to manage their time on the farms but also increase production in all aspects.

The ministry is encouraging Fijians to utilise the agriculture stations in the four geographical divisions across Fiji to gather more information and advice on how to progress with farming programs.

ENDS

• ← Go to all Press Releases