Tractor to assist farmers

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Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna is flanked by women of Nasama Village following the donation of a tractor to the Korovalewa Cooperative to boost farm production. Picture: SUPPLIED

MEMBERS of the Korovalewa Cooperative Ltd received a brand-new tractor to enhance farming production in their community.

The cooperative’s 18 members at Nasama Village in Nadroga thanked the Ministry of Agriculture’s farm mechanisation program for the assistance.

Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said the assistance reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting rural farmers’ transition towards commercial agriculture.

“Mechanisation is a critical enabler of agricultural growth,” Mr Tunabuna said.

“By supporting cooperatives like Korovalewa, we are empowering farmers to save time, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in their farm operations.”

Comprising farmers with 10 to 40 years of experience, Korovalewa Cooperative has been operating for the past two years.

The group manages 55 acres of land, 30 of which are arable.

Mr Tunabuna commended the cooperative’s inclusion of young farmers in their membership, describing it as a positive sign for the future of agriculture in Fiji.

“It is encouraging to see young people actively involved in farming.

“The youths are our future — their participation ensures the continuity of agriculture as a sustainable livelihood.”

Cooperative president Iliesa Hanimo said the assistance is a major milestone for their group, and a reflection of how far they have come since forming the cooperative.