At the conclusion of his one week visit to the Northern Division, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu handed out a total of four rice harvesters which will enable farmers to increase their productivity and efficiency in rice cultivation.

The four harvesters were distributed to farmers in various communities across the Northern Division, as part of the government's ongoing support for the agricultural sector.

Hon. Rayalu emphasized the importance of modernizing farming practices to improve food security and strengthen the local economy.

The rice harvesters are expected to significantly reduce the time and labour required for harvesting, allowing farmers to focus on other important aspects of their operations.

In addition to providing the equipment, the government has also committed to offering training and technical support to ensure farmers can maximize the benefits of the new machinery.

“This initiative is under the ministry’s Farm Mechanisation Program and is part of a broader effort to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to sustain and expand their agricultural activities, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the North and Fiji as a whole,” said Hon. Rayalu.

He encouraged the farmers to take full advantage of the resources provided and to continue working towards greater self-sufficiency in food production.

The Vatia Farmers Cooperative in Siberia, Labasa received their harvester on Thursday 27 March from Hon. Rayalu.

President of the Vatia Farmers Cooperative, Rajendra Mallay said that they are grateful to the ministry for the great assistance.

“It was always our dream to one day purchase our very own rice harvester and through our one third contribution, we are now excited to expand our rice farms,” smiled Mr. Mallay.

The 16 members of the Vatia Farmers Cooperative have praised the government for the timely assistance and are looking forward to the next harvest to utilise their harvester.

Aman Vikash Chand of Bulileka in Labasa also received a rice harvester and said that he has big plans to expand his rice production.

“We are grateful to government especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the huge support throughout the years and we know that we can only grow from here. There is so much arable land in our surrounding communities and we would like to encourage them as well to plant rice,” explained Mr. Chand.

By adopting these machines, farmers can achieve better quality, less waste, and more efficient operations, all of which contribute to greater profitability and sustainability.

The Farm Mechanisation Program is a proactive approach by the Ministry to strengthen the agricultural sector, create economic opportunities, and ensure food security for the future.

The other two rice harvesters were handed out to the Bureseini Farmers Cooperative in Seaqaqa and Vikranth Chandra Integrated Farm in Naleba, Macuata.

ENDS

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