The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy received five hand-held tractors from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia yesterday.
While officially receiving the tractors from the Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji H.E Ambassador Raden Mohammed Benyamin Scott Carnadi, Dr. Reddy acknowledged the Indonesian Government’s support towards enhancing the Ministry’s objective of commercialising the agriculture sector.
Hon. Reddy said it would also add to food security and boost crop production, subsequently contributing to the development of Fiji’s national economy.
“Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture has signed a series of Agreements with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia since 2004. These sequence of successful collaborations between our Governments have established a platform for us to continue to work together for the betterment of Fiji’s agriculture sector.
In 2004, Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Indonesia that enabled the distribution of ten hand-held tractors to rice farmers in Vanua Levu.
Another agreement was signed with the Republic of Indonesia in 2014 for the provision of another ten hand-held tractors to Fijian farmers to boost their production.
“In 2017 Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture signed an MOU with the Republic of Indonesia on Agriculture Cooperation. This engagement would allow for exchange of technical information, exchange of specialists, transfer of technology and training, and promotion of joint ventures in marketing agricultural commodities,” said Minister Reddy.
The Ministry signed a separate agreement in 2018 for the procurement of 40 hand-held tractors during the first phase, with the cost of around FJ$800,000.00 to be distributed to Fijian farmers.
Dr. Reddy said the Ministry has had other areas of engagement with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as part of the ongoing collaboration.
In 2019, the Ministry through its Research Division engaged experts from Indonesia as consultants to conduct trainings for the Crop Extension and Research staff to enable them to be trainers in their specific areas of work.
The Government of Indonesia had also assisted Fiji through the engagement of an expert in 2015, who worked with staff at the Ministry’s Koronivia Research Station on the area of product development.
Over the years, Ministry staff have also had the opportunity to attend short courses and trainings offered by Indonesia.
The Minister said Fiji and Indonesia have had an excellent record of reciprocal support to each countries positions in the International fora and this successful relationship has had a spill-over effect into our bilateral development cooperation especially on the positive development of Fiji’s agriculture sector.
“I’m anticipating that through the use of this equipment, farmers will be able to boost their productivity, develop better farming skills and reduce their operating costs.”
“This assistance is a reflection of Indonesia’s goodwill and friendship to the Government and people of the Republic of Fiji, which will contribute immensely to the productivity of our farmers. I am confident that these equipment will definitely boost our farmer’s capacity in achieving a lot more out of their specific crop activities,” said Dr. Reddy.