The Nawavuka Farmers Cluster, a vibrant group of 15 dedicated members aged between 30 and 67, is making steady strides in transforming their farming activities into a sustainable business venture.

While most members have attained secondary education, a few of them had pursued studies at the tertiary level — a reflection of their commitment to continuous learning and development.

Though their farms are based at Wailailai Settlement in Mataso, Nakorotubu, Ra, all members hail from Narikoso Village.

In 2010, the cluster was formed through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Potato Development Program.

Since then, the farmers have remained united under the traditional solesolevaki spirit, working together to ensure that no one is left behind in their development journey. If one member falls behind, the rest rally together to help them get back on track.

With an eye on long-term growth, the group opened an account with the Unit Trust of Fiji to build financial stability. Their next step was to formalise their operations — a goal they achieved in 2023 by forming a cooperative, following a series of capacity-building trainings.

Among their biggest aspirations was to acquire a tractor to improve land preparation and boost productivity, as well as a three-tonne truck to generate additional income for the group.

Today, their farms boast a variety of crops including cassava, dalo, yaqona, cocoa, coffee, and assorted vegetables.

A major milestone was reached on Wednesday, 30th July, when the Honourable Alitia Bainivalu, Minister for Fisheries and Forests and Acting Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, officially handed over a brand-new tractor to the cooperative.

This was made possible through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation Program, under which the cooperative contributed one-third of the machine’s cost, while the Ministry covered the remaining amount.

“This tractor is a symbol of your commitment to growing your farms and your future,” said Honourable Bainivalu.

“It should bring about unity so that you all work together in its upkeep as well as its operations across your respective farms.

Please ensure that it is used wisely, maintained regularly, and shared fairly among all members so that everyone benefits equally from this investment. Your success will depend on how well you continue to work together in the true spirit of solesolevaki.”

Receiving the tractor on behalf of the cooperative, Usaia Senikula expressed his gratitude.

“This tractor will bring about the changes that we desperately need to enhance our farming programs. It will ease our workload, increase efficiency, and open up more opportunities for our members.”

“We thank the Ministry for turning our dreams into a reality, and we remain committed to using this tractor responsibly and effectively to grow our farms, support our families, and strengthen our cooperative,” said Mr. Senikula.

“This marks a new chapter for us, and we will continue to work together to ensure that this investment brings long-term benefits to all our members.”

The Nawavuka Farmers Cooperative now stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities unite around a shared vision — empowered by government support, guided by tradition, and driven by a spirit of cooperation.

ENDS

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