Members of the Koroisau Co-operative, a village organization in Nadi, celebrated the realization of their aspirations this week. On Monday, Tomasi Tunabuna, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, presented a tractor equipped with a three-disc plough, valued at $47,100, at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.
Sikeli Tabua, the chairperson of the co-operative, expressed gratitude to the government for the support. “We will maximize the use of this tractor,” Mr. Tabua stated, noting that the co-operative manages two hectares of land cultivated with cassava, various vegetables, and fruit trees.
He explained that their objective is to become the leading supplier of vegetables to local roadside markets and hotels, concentrating on quantity and quality while prioritizing customer preferences and satisfaction. With the new tractor, they believe they can achieve this ambition.
The assistance was granted through the Farm Mechanisation Programme, where the co-operative contributed one-third of the cost ($15,700), with the Ministry covering the remaining amount. Mr. Tunabuna encouraged co-operative members to become change agents by fully empowering themselves as the community develops.
“We can no longer solely rely on traditional knowledge inherited from our ancestors. It is essential to collaborate and support one another, as we will be stronger together. The concept of solesolevaki (working in groups) remains powerful today,” he remarked. He also praised their patience in awaiting government support, emphasizing that the new equipment would enhance their farming capabilities.
Established in January, the Koroisau Co-operative has made effective use of their iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB)-leased lands, some of which had expired, and they plan to expand their farming operations. The co-operative currently has 26 registered members, comprising 14 females and 12 males. They aim to attain financial stability and establish a sustainable market for fresh produce, targeting local resorts and hotels. Their farming business also supplies produce to the Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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