INVESTING in horses from the highlands of Nadroga/Navosa has made work easier for yaqona farmers in Nawaikama and Sawaieke villages, Gau, in the Lomaiviti Group.
Sawaieke district representative Kelepi Mataitoga said yaqona farms in Gau were located deep in rugged terrain and sometimes farmers would spend days on their farms because of the distance.
“Last year, the Agriculture Ministry assisted yaqona farmers in Gau with horses to make it easier for them to carry sacks of produce down to their villages from the farms,” he said.
“The 16 villages in Gau received two horses each and it has made work easier for them.
“Before, they had to haul the sacks on their shoulders through the rugged terrain for hours to get to their villages.
“This has been made easier with the availability of the horses.”
Mr Mataitoga said more farmers have invested in getting additional horses as they await the construction of farm roads.
“Farmers from Navosa have made arrangements with farmers here, where they will provide a horse, in exchange for yaqona or other things they need.”
Mr Magaitoga added that Gau farmers underwent training on how to safely ride, feed and take care of the horses.
