Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica announced that significant investments are underway to strengthen Fiji’s co-operative movement. He plans to seek additional resources from the Ministry of Finance to launch these initiatives.
Kamikamica shared the positive outcomes of recent co-operative projects by showcasing the achievements of two newly-formed co-operatives. One of the groups focuses on cassava production, supplying the Suva market. He noted that they expressed deep emotions upon receiving assistance, particularly as they had been waiting four years for a tractor, which is expected to double their output. Currently, they produce around 70 bags weekly, priced at about $100 each, with plans to increase that number to roughly 140 bags.
Another innovative co-operative in Natadola, created by a collection of cane farmers, has also made strides. They took advantage of the Integrated Human Resource Development Program (IHRDP) loan, with one-third of their funding sourced from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB). During Mr. Kamikamica’s visit, he saw their tobacco and suki crops, which they expect to harvest in three months, allowing them to repay their loan. He remarked that they will be able to settle their one-third deposit to FDB following the harvest.