Members of the Koroisau Co-operative in Nadi celebrated the realization of their dreams this week. On Monday, Tomasi Tunabuna, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, presented a tractor with a three-disc plough worth $47,100 at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.
The chairperson of the co-operative, Sikeli Tabua, expressed gratitude to the government for its timely support, stating, “We will maximize the use of this tractor.” The co-operative manages two hectares of land cultivated with cassava, various vegetables, and fruit trees.
Tabua emphasized their ambition to become the leading supplier of vegetables to local roadside markets and hotels, focusing on quality, quantity, and customer satisfaction. The new tractor will help them achieve these objectives.
This assistance was provided through the Farm Mechanisation Programme, where the co-operative contributed one-third of the cost, amounting to $15,700, while the Ministry covered the remaining two-thirds.
Tunabuna encouraged co-operative members to become agents of change by empowering themselves in today’s rapidly evolving environment. He noted, “We no longer depend solely on traditional knowledge passed down by our ancestors to utilize our land. Working together will make us stronger, and the principle of solesolevaki (working in groups) remains relevant today.”
He acknowledged the members’ patience in waiting for government assistance, emphasizing that the tractor would enhance their farming capabilities significantly. “Now, you no longer need to rely on others for land preparation,” he stated.
The Koroisau Co-operative, established in January, has effectively utilized their iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB)-leased lands and plans to expand for agricultural business. The co-operative consists of 26 registered members, comprising 14 females and 12 males, with the goal of achieving financial stability and a sustainable market for fresh produce, particularly in nearby resorts and hotels.
They have embarked on farming as a business venture, supplying their products to both Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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