Matasawalevu Land Purchase Cooperative in Dreketi, Macuata yesterday received a new new rice harvester from the Government through the Minister for Agriculture, Mahendra Reddy.

The cooperative had raised $20,000 to pay-off one-third purchase price of the harvester, while the Fijian Government paid the remaining balance.

Minister Reddy thanked the cooperative for its contribution.

He revealed that agriculture growth in this country has been possible through a partnership, sharing a common vision.

“In this journey we have done remarkably well in terms of bringing agriculture to a new level,” Mr Reddy said.

“The vision is if we work together collectively in improving agriculture, investment and bringing more efficiency into a productive system not only the nation will benefit but also the people who are contributing.”

He said agriculture growth involves a lot of people.

“Any surplus in the agriculture sector will be shared among the people who are participating such as the labourers, farmers, land- owners, machinery companies supplying machines and implements, fertiliser companies and others involved.”

Minister for Agriculture Mahendra Reddy hands over the harvester to the Matasawalevu Land Purchase Cooperative in Dreketi, Macuata on June 6, 2022. Photo: Ministry of Agriculture

Aim To Reduce Import

On an average, Mr Reddy said the Government spent $42 million on importation of rice to our country.

They want to progressively reduce Fiji’s reliance on imported rice.

Mr Reddy said he was happy to find a major surge in rice production in Vanua Levu.

Hence, he advised farmers to grow more than three crops on their land.

“What we are pushing for now is agriculture growth development and we want farmers to treat agriculture as a business and put effort into capital investment,” he said.

“Farmers should get together to invest then they will be able to have some savings.”

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