The focus now is to engage youth in agriculture as it can be a powerful way to boost the sector and help create a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector, which benefits both the economy and the community.

These were the words by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu when handing over a brand new tractor to the youths of Sa Dina Cooperative in Narewa Village, Nadi.

“I am truly honoured this morning to hand over a brand new tractor to the Sa Dina Youth Cooperative as it consists of dedicated young men and women in the village who wish to bring about positive changes in the village. Thank you for being courageous men and women who have raised your hands to give back to your village and of course utilise the land for a living,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“The ministry’s Farm Mechanisation Program is aimed at raising the production levels of farmers in Fiji. Gone are the days for traditional farming tools like fork, cane knives and spades because of the increasing demand for agricultural produce in Fiji. If we want to meet the growing demand of the buyers, then we have to turn to mechanised farming,” explained Hon. Rayalu.

The Sa Dina Youth Cooperative have been actively operating since it was formed back in the 1960’s.

According to Mr. Buli Ratu, a locally renowned musician and one of the founders of the group, they were mostly engaged in cassava farming.

“Back then, we were only using the traditional tools of farming. The group is so fortunate that we now have a tractor to carry out all land preparation works,” added Mr. Ratu.

“Now we have 32 youths, 10 women and 27 men in our cooperative. We are not only actively engaged in agriculture but in community work as well and have been helping in the overall upkeep of the village in terms of cleanliness and healthy living,” said Mr. Ratu.

Last year, they managed to register as a cooperative through the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Communications.

“Our new tractor was made possible through our determination to give one third of the total cost of the tractor. We are determined to elevate our farming venture and know that the tractor will surely increase our production.”

“We are aware of the great task ahead and believe that our continued unity will enable us to reap great rewards in the near future,” added Mr. Ratu.

The youths have been actively following the ‘solesolevaki’ method of working together on specific days of the week to assist each other in growing their farms.

Through their hard work and determination, the Sa Dina Youth Cooperative have secured a market at the Sofitel Resort where they will be supplying their assorted vegetables and cassava.

They are also supplying their agricultural produce to the Nadi and Namaka Municipal Markets and the Ba Market.

The group vow to utilise their land along the Nadi River and build a Collection Centre to help maintain their supply to the Denarau markets in Nadi.

ENDS

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