Members of the Koroisau Co-operative, a village company based in Nadi, experienced a significant milestone this week as their long-awaited dreams materialized.
On Monday, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, presented a tractor equipped with a three-disc plough, valued at $47,100, during a ceremony held in Naboutini Village, Sabeto.
The chairperson of the co-operative, Sikeli Tabua, expressed gratitude to the government for this crucial support. “We will maximize the use of this tractor,” Mr. Tabua stated, noting that the co-operative cultivates two hectares of land planted with cassava, various vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees.
He emphasized the co-operative’s ambition to become the leading supplier of vegetables to nearby roadside markets and hotels, focusing on delivering high-quality products while prioritizing customer preferences and satisfaction. The acquisition of this tractor will aid significantly in achieving these goals.
This assistance was part of the Farm Mechanisation Programme, in which the co-operative contributed a third of the tractor’s cost ($15,700), with the Ministry covering the remaining two-thirds.
Mr. Tunabuna encouraged co-operative members to embrace change and empower themselves in these rapidly evolving times. “We no longer depend solely on traditional knowledge passed down by our ancestors to utilize our land. It is essential to work together, as there is strength in unity,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the members’ patience in waiting for the government’s assistance, stating that it would significantly enhance their farming capabilities. “Now, you no longer need to rely on others for land preparation,” he added.
The Koroisau Co-operative, established in January, has effectively utilized leased lands from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) and has plans to expand their farming operations. The co-operative currently has 26 registered members, consisting of 14 females and 12 males, and aims to achieve financial stability and foster a sustainable market for fresh produce, targeting local resorts and hotels.
Their venture into farming as a business has led them to supply produce to the Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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