During a ceremony held in Sigatoka this morning, Manoa Kamikamica, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperative, MSMEs & Communications, emphasized the crucial role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in promoting resilient and sustainable economic development.
Kamikamica showcased the government’s commitment to supporting these vital businesses by presenting two tractors to the Nakita Farmers Cooperative in Togobula Village and the Deepak Cooperative in Maro Village.
“MSMEs are fundamental to our economy, fostering sustainable growth, generating employment, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to the supply chain,” Kamikamica remarked. “This is what the Government aims for.”
He highlighted that approximately $120 million has been allocated across several ministries for the current fiscal year, marking the highest level of support for MSMEs to date. The Ministry overseeing MSMEs received a budget of $4 million, which includes funding for the recently initiated Program for Co-operative Business.
Rupeni Qaraniqio, Chairman of Nakita Farmers Cooperative, explained that the initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Government, the Cooperatives Department, the Provincial Council of Nadroga and Navosa, the District Officer’s Office, and the Fiji Development Bank.
“We began by manually tilling and plowing the field using only basic agricultural tools. Now, with this new machinery, we can plant ten lines of vegetables, including watermelons and cassava, significantly increasing our farm’s production,” Qaraniqio stated.
He further noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, they managed to produce 70 bags and expressed their intention to exceed that number with the new tractor.
The handover of tractors is part of the government’s broader efforts to support MSMEs and enhance the agricultural sector, particularly in rural communities.