Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, has praised 45 family members of the Nalagi clan in Nadi for their entrepreneurial efforts. The Ratu Naevo Co-operative, based in Nawaka Village and established in 2021, received a new solis tractor from Mr. Rayalu last week.
He lauded their dedication to sustainable livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of ensuring food security for the residents of Nawaka before supplying local hotels and markets. The cooperative financed one-third of the tractor’s total cost, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways covered the rest through its Farm Mechanisation Program.
The Ratu Naevo Co-operative plans to utilize their mataqali land for agricultural development, addressing the growing population in the village. They will cultivate 37 acres of land at Nawiwi, Namulomulo for large-scale mechanized farming.
Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi, the Taukei Nalagi and Momo na Tui Nawaka, accepted the keys to the tractor on behalf of the cooperative.