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