A tractor, worth $15K was handed over to the Nakovacake Cluster Farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture to assist in the agriculture development plans of the Vanua o Nakovacake yesterday.
While handing over the keys to the tractor in Navoci Village in Nadi, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy praised the Nakovacake Cluster Farmers, a subsidiary of Nakovacake Development Trust, for working together to raise the required funds needed for the purchase of the tractor.
The tractor was paid for on the one-third, two-thirds basis assistance of the Fijian Government, with the Nakovacake Cluster Farmers paying a total of $5,500 as part of their one-third contribution.
“It is an honour for us to be here because we see that COVID-19 has opened up a new mindset and new opportunities. Every adversity has its opportunity to be taken advantage of.,” said Hon. Reddy.
He also acknowledged the community leaders for providing the necessary leadership for their youth to realise the immense potential in fully utilising their resources.
“I would also like to acknowledge your leaders in the community for providing the leadership so your young people can realise that your strength comes from the resources that you own, but the resources won’t generate the income itself,” he said.
“There are some resources that need to be developed, and the decision that you made that day to invest $5,500.00, was not an expenditure, but an investment in the future of the youth and wellbeing of the villagers.”
Minister Reddy further emphasised that since international borders would soon be opened and tourism would return, there was an urgent need for farmers to consistently meet the demand from the tourism sector as more local cuisine would be promoted in hotel menus.
Coordinator of Nakovacake Farmers Cluster, Asinate Dawai expressed her gratitude for the assistance saying the strides taken by the Ministry of Agriculture through its development programmes and assistance were outlined to ensure food and nutrition security, boost local production and raise farm efficiency and productivity.
“The Nakovacake elders, members of our community, Nakovacake Development Trust and our farmers wish to acknowledge this donation with utmost appreciation and gratitude,” she said.
Ms. Dawai said the Vanua o Nakovacake was not exempt from the perils of COVID-19, as most of their breadwinners had lost their jobs, with their livelihoods continuing to be affected for more than a year.
“Many of our people are now turning to farming as a source of food and income. This donation will maximise agriculture production,” she said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Nakovacake Development Trust, Anare Naivutevute said that prior to COVID-19, the Vanua o Nakovacake led a very different life as almost all of their members worked in the tourism industry.
“This tractor will provide essential support for subsistence and commercial farming. This tractor will not only be used by the Nakovacake people but will also be shared with other struggling farmers with a common interest under the banner of progress and security,” said Mr. Naivutevute.
“This assistance has boosted our morale.”