Members of the Bureseini Cooperative in Seaqaqa, Macuata were all smiles today after receiving a brand new rice harvester from the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu.

In handing over the rice harvester to the cooperative members, Hon. Rayalu said that the assistance is aimed at elevating rice production to the next level.

“I want rice farming in the Northern Division to be elevated and am encouraging more farmers to utilise their land. The ministry has assistance packages available and I encourage farmers to visit their nearest agriculture station to find out more information should they need assistance and technical advice,” added Hon. Rayalu.

President of the Bureseini Farmers Cooperative, 47-year old Sanjay Murti, shared their heartfelt gratitude for the assistance that they received today.

“Under the Farm Mechanisation Program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, we paid $17,500 as one third contribution while the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways paid the remainder of the cost to make up the total of $52,500 for the rice harvester,” added Mr. Murti.

The 11 members share 120 acres of land which are all native leases.

The common crops planted among them is sugarcane, cowpea, watermelon, assorted vegetables and rice.

In 2023, they were assisted with a tractor which they have also been hiring out at $60 per hour to interested farmers in the vicinity.

So far, they have assisted 40 farmers with an area of 200 acres and accumulated a revenue of $8,000.

Mr. Murti adds the new rice harvester now completes a set of operation where both members and non- members will be able to plough their land and harvest it on time.

The addition of the new rice harvester is a fantastic development for the cooperative and local farmers. This will not only help streamline the harvesting process but also potentially increase overall rice production in the Northern Division.

The assistance from the ministry, especially through the Farm Mechanisation Program, is a great way to support small-scale farmers and encourage more efficient practices.

The ministry will be handing out an additional three rice harvesters tomorrow in Macuata.

ENDS

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