The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, praised 45 family members of the Nalagi clan in Nadi for embarking on a business venture. The Ratu Naevo Co-operative, established in Nawaka Village in 2021, received a new solis tractor from Mr. Rayalu last week.
He highlighted the group’s dedication to sustainable livelihoods, ensuring food security for the residents of Nawaka before catering to local hotels and markets. The co-operative contributed 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 aims to utilize their mataqali land for agricultural purposes in response to the growing village population. They will employ 37 acres of land in Nawiwi, Namulomulo for large-scale mechanized farming.
Taukei Nalagi, Momo na Tui Nawaka, Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi, accepted the keys for the tractor on behalf of the cooperative.