After years of waiting and working with limited resources, farmers from Nahigatoka Village in Nadroga have finally received the support they long hoped for, a brand-new tractor handed over by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, under the Ministry’s 1/3 and 2/3 assistance program.

The total cost of the tractor was $49,500.00, with the farmers contributing $15,333.00 and the Government providing $34,167.00 in support.

The handover marks a major milestone for the newly formed Nahigatoka Farmers Cooperative Limited, whose members described the moment as a long-awaited breakthrough for their village.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Tunabuna acknowledged the significance of the occasion.

“This is not just a handover, it’s a breakthrough, for years, the farmers of Nahigatoka have worked hard with limited tools. Today, we’re not just giving you a tractor; we’re giving you the means to transform your livelihoods and your futures.”

He recognized the patience and perseverance of the community, noting that the government is proud to deliver meaningful support where it’s needed most.

“I know this has been a long time coming, your unity and determination have brought you here, this government is proud to stand with you and proud to finally deliver what you’ve been waiting for.”

The farmers of Nahigatoka, many of whom have relied on manual labour for decades, expressed deep gratitude for the assistance.

“We’ve waited so long for this kind of help,” said Ratu Osea Bolawaqatabu a cooperative member.

“There were times we thought it would never come but today, we feel seen, we feel heard, and we feel supported.”

“Forming our cooperative was a leap of faith, we didn’t know if it would work, but we believed in each other and now, with this tractor, we can finally farm with dignity and efficiency.”

Hon. Tunabuna praised the cooperative’s initiative and encouraged other villages to follow their example.

“This is what happens when communities come together with a shared vision, you’ve shown that unity leads to opportunity and I urge other farmers across Fiji to organize, collaborate, and take that first step because we are ready to support you.”

The Ministry’s 1/3 and 2/3 assistance program is part of a broader strategy to modernize agriculture, promote mechanization, and ensure that no farmer is left behind. By encouraging group formation and cost-sharing, the program empowers communities to take ownership of their development.

“This government is committed to making sure that rural voices are heard and rural needs are met and today is proof that when we work together, even long-awaited dreams can come true,” he concluded.

ENDS

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