Thirty-one-year-old Sikeli Gudru, a dedicated farmer from Naveyago Village in Naqalimare, Navosa, today received a Post-Harvest and Nursery Equipment through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways’ Agriculture Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Initiative.

Although Mr. Gudru was unable to attend the official handover due to ongoing farm work, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, commended his commitment to agriculture and contribution to community development.

“Mr. Gudru’s commitment reflects the spirit of resilience that defines our farmers,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

“Through initiatives like the Agriculture SME Programme, the Ministry continues to empower small farmers to improve productivity, strengthen value chains, and contribute to Fiji’s food security and rural economy.”

The Gudru family’s farm operates on 1.21 hectares of mataqali land, producing a variety of vegetables for both local markets and exporters. The newly received equipment will help enhance seedling production, maintain supply consistency, and overcome challenges related to sourcing quality planting materials.

According to Mr. Gudru’s wife, Mrs. Aliveta Nakibo, the assistance will make a significant difference in improving their farm’s efficiency and productivity.

“My husband has been involved in farming for many years, and this support from the Ministry will help us expand and improve what we already have,” said Mrs. Nakibo.

“It will also make it easier for us to meet market demand and continue supporting our family’s needs,” said Mrs Nakibo.

The farm has not only contributed to household income but also supported community initiatives, including village fundraising events and the employment of casual labourers.

Over the past three years, their farm has generated an estimated $12,523 from vegetable production, reinvesting profits into improving home facilities and community development.

Hon. Tunabuna highlighted that Agriculture SMEs play a critical role in advancing food production, creating rural employment, and promoting economic inclusion.

“These enterprises—whether small-scale farms, food processors, or agri-tech start-ups—form the backbone of Fiji’s agricultural sector. By supporting them, we are ensuring a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable agriculture industry,” he said.

In 2024, the Ministry continued its commitment to the SME sector through targeted assistance aimed at:

Addressing bottlenecks in supply chains,

Enhancing market participation and integration,

Promoting value addition for export markets, and

Improving access to market information.

Through the programme, the Ministry offered up to $3,000 per SME this financial year to support approved agricultural projects. A total of nine applications were received, with seven successfully approved after careful evaluation.

Hon. Tunabuna reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering growth among grassroots farmers and SMEs to ensure Fiji’s agriculture sector continues to thrive and contribute to national development.

ENDS

• ← Go to all Press Releases