Two farmers’ co-operatives have received a brand new mini-tractor each as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Small Farming Equipment (SFE) programme.
Korokoro Farmers’ Co-operative of Baulevu, Naitasiri, and the Hillside Farmers’ Co-operative from Votualevu, Nadi, were the recipients of the mini-tractor which was handed over by the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy.
While addressing the farming groups, Minister Reddy said their drive to own a tractor was commendable and noteworthy as the two cluster groups had achieved a significant milestone in their farming business.
“You got together to raise funds to get your one-third contribution to acquire a tractor and a two-disc plough and address a binding constraint in agriculture development which is mechanisation,” he said.
“I applaud you for investing in farm mechanisation because we must significantly increase our production going forward,” he added.
Minister Reddy acknowledged the sacrifices made by farmers and applauded them for their enormous contributions to the agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, Korokoro Farmers’ Co-operative member, Mr Anish Chandra, thanked the Fijian Government for the support under the Small Farming Equipment programme saying it had motivated their farmers to increase production.
“I’d like to thank the Government of the day for the assistance because we will be able to improve our farming and also farmers around this area are now keen to buy their own mini-tractors so that they can also take control of their own land preparation and grow more vegetables and crops,” said Mr Chandra.
Both farmers’ co-operatives had to pay a third of the cost of the mini-tractor and 2-disc plough, paying $7,000 each, which is a part of the requirement of the SFE program which incorporates the one-third, two-thirds payment model of Government assistance.