Forty-one households from the Dravuni Methodist Men’s Farming Cluster in Nakelo, Tailevu, received a new tractor this week during a handover at Visama Village, marking another milestone in Fiji’s drive to boost smallholder farming through shared machinery.
The cluster, which brings together members from Visama, Vunivaivai, and Muana villages, focuses on improving livelihoods and reducing hardship through sustainable, community-based farming. Members range in age from 16 to 65 and collectively steward about 15 acres of mataqali land.
The tractor, valued at around $46,000, was funded jointly by the farming cluster and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, with farmers contributing one-third of the cost. Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna urged the group to maximize the tool’s use, saying, “Your determination to pool resources shows the potential of what can be achieved together. I urge you to put the machine to good use so that it triples your production in the coming months and years.”
Cluster representative Kaitaliti Tui said the support is a major boost for their work, which began in 2023 with root crops and vegetables and is now moving to transplant tomatoes on 0.13 hectares of land, a project expected to generate about $3,990 in revenue. The tractor is anticipated to expand production, reduce labour costs, and increase efficiency, helping the cluster meet its goals and serve nearby communities more effectively.
Past Ministry support for the cluster has included land preparation services, irrigation systems, and small-scale mechanisation. As part of the partnership, the group has committed to submitting monthly reports to the Ministry on crop production and sales, ensuring accountability and continued collaboration.
After the handover, participants engaged in a talanoa session to discuss further improving land use and farm productivity. Minister Tunabuna also reminded attendees of the value of collective effort and encouraged youths to consider farming as a productive path rather than being influenced by negative behaviors.
Contextual note: this approach mirrors a broader national pattern of expanding farm mechanisation, as seen in recent examples like the Koroisau Co-operative in Nadi. There, a tractor valued at about $47,100 was provided under the Farm Mechanisation Programme, with the co-operative contributing one-third of the cost and the Ministry covering two-thirds, highlighting a shared commitment to empowering rural communities through modern farming tools.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to make farming more efficient and sustainable, supporting families across villages and strengthening local markets. The continued emphasis on youth involvement and accountability signals a hopeful path toward greater agricultural resilience and economic stability in Fiji.
Summary: The Dravuni cluster’s tractor handover showcases a successful model of shared investment in farming infrastructure, with government support, community involvement, and plans for ongoing reporting and youth engagement, reinforcing a positive trend in rural agricultural development.
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