Members of the Koroisau Co-operative, a village company based in Nadi, celebrated a significant milestone this week as their long-awaited dream became a reality.
On Monday, Tomasi Tunabuna, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, presented a new tractor equipped with a three-disc plough, valued at $47,100, to the co-operative at a ceremony held in Naboutini Village, Sabeto.
Sikeli Tabua, the chairperson of the co-operative, expressed gratitude to the government for this timely support. He emphasized their intention to fully utilize the tractor, stating that they have two hectares of land cultivated with cassava, various vegetables, and fruit trees.
“The co-operative aspires to be the leading supplier of vegetables to local roadside markets and hotels, concentrating on quantity, quality, and ensuring customer satisfaction. With this tractor, we are confident we can reach our objectives,” Mr. Tabua remarked.
This assistance comes through the Farm Mechanisation Programme, where the co-operative contributed a third of the total cost, approximately $15,700, with the Ministry covering the remaining two-thirds.
Mr. Tunabuna encouraged co-operative members to embrace change and empower themselves in this rapidly evolving environment. He remarked on the importance of modernizing agricultural practices beyond traditional methods inherited from ancestors, urging members to support one another for collective strength. He pointed out that the concept of working as a group, known as solesolevaki, remains vital in today’s context.
He acknowledged the members’ patience while waiting for government assistance, noting that it would significantly enhance their farming capabilities and relieve them from reliance on others for land preparation.
The Koroisau Co-operative was established in January and has been actively utilizing their leased iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) lands. They have plans to expand their farming operations and currently consist of 26 registered members, including 14 women and 12 men. The co-operative aims to achieve financial stability and develop a sustainable market for fresh produce, securing sales with local resorts and hotels. They have also begun supplying their produce to the Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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