Tractor Triumph: Koroisau Co-operative Poised for Agricultural Success

Members of the Koroisau Co-operative in Nadi celebrated this week as their aspirations came to fruition. On Monday, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna presented a tractor with a three-disc plough, valued at $47,100, to the co-operative at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.

Co-operative chairperson Sikeli Tabua expressed gratitude to the government for the timely support. “We will maximize the use of this tractor,” Mr. Tabua stated, noting that the co-operative tends to two hectares of land growing cassava, various vegetables, and fruit-bearing trees.

The co-operative aims to become the leading supplier of vegetables to local roadside markets and hotels, prioritizing customer satisfaction through a focus on quality and quantity. The tractor will significantly help them achieve this goal.

This assistance comes through the Farm Mechanisation Programme, with the co-operative contributing one-third of the total cost ($15,700) while the Ministry covered the remaining two-thirds.

Mr. Tunabuna encouraged the co-operative members to become agents of change, urging them to empower themselves in these rapidly advancing times. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The concept of solesolevaki (working in groups) remains powerful even today.”

He acknowledged the members’ patience while waiting for the government’s support, stating that the arrival of the tractor would facilitate their farming endeavors. “You will no longer need to rely on others for land preparation,” he remarked.

The Koroisau Co-operative was established in January and has effectively utilized their iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB)-leased lands, which were previously set to expire, with plans for expanding their farming business. The co-operative consists of 26 registered members, including 14 females and 12 males, all aiming for financial stability and a sustainable market for fresh produce, especially within nearby resorts and hotels. They currently supply fruits and vegetables to the municipal markets in Nadi and Lautoka.