A committed group of young men and women from Narewa Village in Nadi is working to enhance their community through various agricultural initiatives, including farming. This group is part of the Sa Dina Youth Cooperative, which consists of 69 members, primarily young people.
Buli Ratu, the co-founder of the group, shared that the cooperative has been in operation since the 1960s, primarily focusing on cassava farming. “Currently, our cooperative consists of 32 youth, 10 women, and 27 men. We are not just involved in agricultural activities but also participate in community service, such as cleaning the village for a healthier environment,” said Mr. Ratu.
Last year, the cooperative successfully registered through the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Communications. Recently, they were awarded a tractor from the Ministry of Agriculture, with part of the funding provided by the government.
“The acquisition of the tractor is a significant achievement for us, allowing for efficient land preparation,” Mr. Ratu stated. “We were able to contribute one-third of the total cost of the tractor, which reflects our dedication to this project. We recognize the challenges ahead and believe that our unity will lead to fruitful outcomes soon.”
The youth have adopted the solesolevaki (group work) approach in their farming efforts, supporting one another in their tasks. The Sa Dina Youth Cooperative has also secured a contract with Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa to supply vegetables and cassava.
Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu emphasized that engaging youth in agriculture is crucial for building stronger and more productive communities.