The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, has praised 45 members of the Nalagi clan in Nadi for their entrepreneurial spirit. The Ratu Naevo Co-operative in Nawaka Village, which was established in 2021, received a new solis tractor from Mr. Rayalu last week.
Mr. Rayalu acknowledged their dedication to sustainable livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of ensuring food security for the community of Nawaka before supplying local hotels and markets. The cooperative covered one-third of the tractor’s cost, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways contributed the rest through its Farm Mechanisation Program.
In response to the growing population in the village, the Ratu Naevo Co-operative is committed to utilizing their mataqali land for agricultural purposes. They plan to employ 37 acres of land in Nawiwi, Namulomulo, for large-scale mechanized farming.
Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi, the Taukei Nalagi and Momo na Tui Nawaka, accepted the tractor keys on behalf of the cooperative.