A new era of rice farming begins in Nadogo, Macuata as the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways champions mechanization to drive efficiency, boost production, and elevate post-harvest standards, empowering the Vunidrodro Rice Farmers Cooperative to modernize operations and enhance sustainability.

During the official handing-over ceremony, the Vunidrodro Rice Farmers Cooperative received a cutting-edge rice harvester under the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways' Farm Mechanization Program, marking a transformative step toward reducing labor demands, improving grain quality, and expanding market reach.

The $52,500.00 rice harvester, acquired through a one-third two-thirds cost-sharing arrangement, is a direct implementation of the government’s initiative, which prioritizes support for post-harvest storage and processing technologies to ensure high-quality yields for both local consumption and exports.

With the cooperative producing more than 90 tonnes of rice paddies this year, the introduction of mechanization ensures that rice can be harvested efficiently, stored properly, and processed at optimal quality, reinforcing Fiji’s agricultural development goals.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, highlighted how mechanization under the Farm Mechanization Program supports the government’s vision of an efficient, self-sustaining agricultural sector.

"Investing in mechanization is critical to ensuring our farmers can harvest and process rice at the highest possible standards, prioritizing post-harvest storage and processing, and this harvester will allow the Vunidrodro cooperative to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and elevate the quality of rice available in the markets," said Hon. Tunabuna.

Hon. Tunabuna also emphasized the essential role of women in agriculture, highlighting their contributions in farm operations, post-harvest management, and sustaining food security.

"Agriculture depends on collective effort, and the contributions of our wives, mothers, sisters, and aunties are invaluable. Their support ensures the success of farming enterprises, and today we also celebrate their dedication to the industry," he added.

For the members of the Vunidrodro Rice Farmers Cooperative, mechanization is more than an investment, it is a transformative opportunity to increase production and improve post-harvest storage and processing capabilities.

The leader of the cooperative, Ami Chand, welcomed the support, emphasizing the direct impact of mechanization on expanding Fiji’s rice industry.

"This harvester allows us to streamline rice processing, maintain quality control, and reduce costs associated with labor-intensive farming. With better post-harvest management, we can strengthen our market reach and improve production. We are grateful for the Ministry’s continued support in advancing agriculture," said Chand.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways continues to drive investments in mechanization, storage facilities, and post-harvest processing, ensuring rice farmers are equipped to expand production, improve quality, and compete in the markets.

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