Members of the Koroisau Co-operative in Nadi celebrated a significant milestone this week as they received a tractor equipped with a three-disc plough, valued at $47,100. The handover took place on Monday, conducted by Tomasi Tunabuna, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.
Sikeli Tabua, chairperson of the co-operative, expressed gratitude to the government for the timely support. He stated, “We will maximize the use of this tractor.” The co-operative has cultivated two hectares of land with cassava, various vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees. Tabua highlighted their goal of being the leading supplier of vegetables to local roadside markets and hotels, emphasizing the importance of quality and customer satisfaction. The acquisition of the tractor will aid them in reaching this objective.
This assistance is part of the Farm Mechanisation Programme, in which the co-operative covered a third of the cost ($15,700), while the Ministry contributed the remaining two-thirds. Tunabuna encouraged the co-operative members to become agents of change by fostering holistic empowerment during this time of rapid development.
He remarked on the need to move beyond traditional practices, urging members to collaborate, as working together strengthens their collective efforts. Tunabuna acknowledged the co-operative’s patience in awaiting government support and expressed confidence that the new equipment would enhance their farming capabilities.
Established in January, the Koroisau Co-operative has made effective use of their leased lands from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) and is planning to expand their agricultural operations. The group comprises 26 registered members, including 14 women and 12 men, who aim for financial stability and a sustainable market for their fresh produce, targeting local resorts and hotels. The co-operative is actively engaged in the farming business, supplying their products to the Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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