The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is truly committed to developing youths in agriculture.

This week, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna handed over a tractor to the Natabua Farmers’ Cooperative in Dogoru, Macuata.

Consisting of 23 members, the group worked together to collect their one third contribution of $15, 700 towards the total cost of their tractor.

Speaking to the youths during the handing over, Hon. Tunabuna advised youths to engage and develop their skills through farming.

“With the increasing crime rate in the Northern Division, it is vital that unemployed youths engage in farming activities so that they do not engage in criminal activities,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

“According to the Fiji Police Force northern division statistics, criminal activities in youth spiked to 78% in 2024 from the 72% in 2023.”

“These statistics is an indication that youths are involved in criminal activities to cater for their livelihoods, and it is only right that you engage in other activities like farming, to distract you from those activities,” he said.

“The new tractor will assist you to generate income and lift your standard of living in your respective homes,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

Natabua Farmers Cooperative leader Sireli Lilo, thanked the ministry for the huge assistance.

“The cooperative was formed with the objective of procuring a tractor to assist with the land preparation for the farmers and we are so grateful for the assistance.”

“We thank the ministry and our elders who are have been supporting us achieve goals and targets,” he said.

“The tractor that we now have will enable us to increase our production and expand what we have on the ground and we are also discussing strategies in which we help other farmers in the vicinity through hiring out our tractor.”

The cooperative plan to supply yaqona and cassava to the local and export markets and becoming fully commercialised.

ENDS

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