The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, has recognized 45 members of the Nalagi clan in Nadi for their entrepreneurial efforts. The Ratu Naevo Co-operative, based in Nawaka Village and established in 2021, received a new solis tractor from Mr. Rayalu last week.
Mr. Rayalu praised their dedication to sustainable livelihoods, highlighting their role in ensuring food security for the Nawaka community before supplying local hotels and markets. The co-operative financed one-third of the tractor’s total cost, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways covered the rest through its Farm Mechanisation Program.
The Ratu Naevo Co-operative aims to utilize their mataqali land for agricultural purposes to address the growing population in the village. They plan to implement large-scale mechanized farming on 37 acres of land at Nawiwi, Namulomulo.
Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi, the Taukei Nalagi and Momo na Tui Nawaka, accepted the keys to the tractor on behalf of the co-operative.