Members of the Koroisau Co-operative in Nadi are celebrating as their aspirations take a significant step forward with the arrival of a new tractor. On Monday, Tomasi Tunabuna, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, presented the co-operative with a tractor and a three-disc plough worth $47,100 at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.
Sikeli Tabua, the chairperson of the co-operative, expressed gratitude to the government for this timely support. He stated, “We will maximise the use of this tractor.” The co-operative currently manages two hectares of land where they cultivate cassava, a variety of vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees. Tabua emphasized their commitment to becoming the leading supplier of fresh produce to local roadside markets and hotels, with an emphasis on both quality and customer satisfaction, and noted that the new tractor would be instrumental in achieving these goals.
This assistance was made possible through the Farm Mechanisation Programme, which required the co-operative to contribute one-third of the cost, amounting to $15,700, while the Ministry covered the remaining two-thirds. Tunabuna encouraged the members to embrace change and empower themselves in this time of rapid development, urging them to work collaboratively for greater strength.
He acknowledged the co-operative’s patience while awaiting government support, affirming that the new tractor would enhance their farming capabilities and eliminate the need for reliance on external land preparation services.
The Koroisau Co-operative, formed in January, has effectively utilized land leased from the iTaukei Land Trust Board, with plans for expansion. It comprises 26 members, including 14 women and 12 men, all dedicated to achieving financial stability and establishing sustainable markets for fresh produce, particularly targeting nearby resorts and hotels. The co-operative aims to operate farming as a business and supplies its products to the municipal markets in Nadi and Lautoka.
Leave a comment