Tubenasolo villagers in the highlands of Nausori are grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the timely assistance they received yesterday.

 Tubenasolo straddles the border of Nawaka and Navosa and road conditions are tough for vehicles access and people had to either walk or go on horseback for an hour to reach the village.

Tubenasolo village is the last village in the Nawaka District and for them, development is everything.

Yesterday, they were handed with farming tools under the ministry’s Commercial Agriculture Development Program.

Speaking to the farmers during the handing over, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu stressed the need for farmers to utilise their land.

“You have no excuse now, and we ask that you utilise the land. Continue to strive in your yaqona farming venture and know that the ministry will assist you in reaching your goals. The first step is handed to you today, the next step is for you to work hard to reach your goals,” said Hon. Rayalu.

Tui Nawaka, Ratu Joeli Derenalagi Naevo, was also present at the handing over also reiterated the call made by Hon. Rayalu and urged the villagers to believe in themselves and the potential that they have.

“We are sitting on goldmines but all these years have been sleeping. It’s time that you wake up and farm the land so that you are able to provide better lives for your families,” stressed Ratu Naevo.

“We always have to think of our children and what legacy are we leaving them. Let us work together and make use of the government assistance that is being offered and utilise the land that has been given to us,” added Ratu Naevo.

The villagers were farming yaqona on a small scale all these years but through motivation and vision, they have decided to expand their yaqona farm.

They have also been dependent on seasonal fruits as a source of income but have decided to venture into yaqona and vegetables.

In receiving the items, Ratu Naevo thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for all the support that has been rendered to the District of Nawaka and hopes that villages will continue to thrive in agricultural activities for food and income security.

ENDS

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