The reopening of the Keiyasi Collection Centre is set to invigorate agricultural production in Navosa, bringing renewed optimism for farmers and the youth in the region. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Inosi Kuridrani, highlighted that the revival of the previously dormant facility will provide farmers with a dependable, centralized market, crucial for stabilizing prices and significantly lowering post-harvest losses.
During his visit to the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Office in Lawaqa, Kuridrani expressed gratitude to the Provincial Council for their support in facilitating the reopening. He emphasized that this development is a vital step towards enhancing community resilience and promoting agricultural growth, particularly in the highland areas.
The Centre is poised to engage young people in productive agricultural practices, fostering sustainable livelihoods and steering them away from social issues, including drug abuse. It is anticipated to become a central hub for Navosa’s turmeric industry, a local crop with vast potential for value addition and superior market access.
Once operational, the Centre will ensure safe handling of produce, maintain quality standards, and provide fair and stable pricing, thus boosting farmers’ confidence in sustaining and expanding their livelihoods. Kuridrani noted that the reopening is on track, with only a few administrative tasks pending before the operations commence.
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, in collaboration with the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Council, plans to work closely with farmers to ensure consistent production and the Centre’s operations align with their specific needs. This initiative not only promises economic revitalization but also represents a collective effort to uplift the community and its future.
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