More than 10,000 farmers from various commodity organisations registered with the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC) will soon benefit from a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to discount prices of equipment to farmers.
The agreement was signed between the FCLC and Ba Industries Limited, one of the country’s largest distributors of agri-products and farming equipment.
Under the agreement, registered farmers and are financial members of respective commodity organisations will access the FCLC Farmers Loyalty Programme, translating into significant savings on agricultural inputs and equipment.
FCLC chief executive officer Jiu Daunivalu said said the MoU with Ba Industries Ltd meant farmers would access real, tangible savings through the loyalty program.
“We welcome the support of business partners like Ba Industries, who bring not only their expertise in agriculture but also help put the right tools in farmers’ hands at a discount.”
Ba Industries representative Atin Patel said under the partnership, the company would provide training and support services on the use and maintenance of its products.
“We see our AgriTech brand as a way forward, helping farmers use knowledge and technology to build a career in farming, which delivers financial benefits to them and to the nation,” Mr Patel said in a statement from the FCLC.
Ms Daunivalu said the partnership reflected their core mandate to grow the business of agriculture in Fiji.
“For the past 10 years, through FCLC’s programs, we have seen what’s possible when farmers are given the right training and the right support, especially in understanding markets and business planning,” she said.
“This changes mindsets and farming practices as farmers realise they are building careers, and sustainable, profitable businesses.
“I’m glad to see this new drive toward commercialisation and modernisation coming from the farmers themselves.
“A memorandum of understanding with a reputable, well-established company like Ba Industries is a practical, everyday mechanism for doing exactly that.”
