Korovalewa Cooperative Limited members of Nasama Village, Nadroga were all smiles this afternoon after receiving a brand-new tractor from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, made possible through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation Program.

The cooperative, which consists of 18 members — both men and women aged between 18 and 68 years — expressed their gratitude for the timely support that will greatly ease their land preparation challenges and improve productivity.

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna said the assistance reflected Government’s continued commitment to supporting rural farmers transition towards commercial agriculture.

“Mechanisation is a critical enabler of agricultural growth. By supporting cooperatives like Korovalewa, we are empowering farmers to save time, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in their farm operations,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

“Our vision is to see farming communities like Nasama move from subsistence to sustainable commercial production — ensuring better livelihoods and stronger rural economies.”

Comprising farmers with between 10 to 40 years of experience, Korovalewa Cooperative has been operating collectively for the past two years. The group manages 55 acres of land, of which 30 acres are arable, with terrain ranging from flat to gently sloping areas.

Their farms currently produce a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, duruka, long beans, cabbage, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, chilies, capsicum, and pawpaw. In addition, they cultivate root crops including dalo, cassava, and kumala.

Hon. Tunabuna commended the cooperative’s inclusion of young farmers in their membership, describing it as a positive sign for the future of agriculture in Fiji.

“It is encouraging to see young people actively involved in farming. The youth are our future — their participation ensures the continuity of agriculture as a sustainable livelihood,” he said.

“Farming is not just about planting and harvesting; it teaches discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. When young people work alongside experienced farmers, knowledge is transferred and communities grow stronger together.”

He also acknowledged the cooperative’s strong sense of unity and collaboration.

“This cooperative is a fine example of what can be achieved when communities unite for a common purpose. Working together allows farmers to pool resources, share ideas, and achieve greater productivity,” Hon. Tunabuna added.

Cooperative President Mr. Iliesa Hanimo said the tractor assistance was a major milestone for their group, and a reflection of how far they had come since forming the cooperative.

“We are truly thankful to the Ministry for this assistance.

Preparing land used to take us weeks of manual work, but now with this tractor, we can cover more land in a shorter time,” said Mr. Hanimo.

“This support will help us expand our farms and improve the quality and quantity of our crops. It will also motivate our young members to stay in the village and see farming as a viable business.”

Mr. Hanimo further acknowledged the Ministry’s extension officers for their continuous support and guidance.

“The advice and encouragement we’ve received from the Ministry have helped us grow stronger as a cooperative. This partnership gives us confidence that we are on the right path toward becoming fully commercial farmers,” he said.

The Korovalewa Cooperative had earlier highlighted their challenges to the Ministry, which advised them to apply through the Farm Mechanisation Program — a key initiative under the Ministry’s efforts to modernize agriculture and enhance productivity.

The cooperative paid for one third of the total cost while the Ministry paid the remainder of the costs.

The Ministry continues to encourage farmers and groups across the country to take advantage of the Farm Mechanisation Program as part of its broader efforts to increase agricultural efficiency, empower youth, and strengthen Fiji’s food security.

ENDS

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