Second harvester boosts Dreketi rice production

Rice farmers in Dreketi, Macuata have received a second harvester to increase production and improve harvesting efficiency.

The Muanidevo/Malawai Central Cooperative received the machine last Thursday under the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry's farm mechanisation programme.

Formed in 2021, the cooperative has 43 active members engaged in rice farming across the Northern Division. The group cultivates about 340 acres of land and produced more than 400 tonnes of rice during the last harvesting season.

The harvester was acquired through a cost-sharing arrangement, with the cooperative contributing one-third of the cost and the Government funding the remaining two-thirds.

Cooperative president Mr Ailesh Kumar said the new machine would significantly improve operations.

"On behalf of our members, I thank the Government and the ministry for supporting us with this second harvester, which will improve our capacity, reduce labour costs and ensure timely harvesting," Mr Kumar said.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna handed over the harvester and acknowledged the cooperative's contribution to local rice production.

He said the cooperative's output demonstrated the potential of Fiji's rice industry when farmers embraced modern technology and worked together.

"Government will continue to support farmers, but the success of these programmes depends on your commitment, and I commend the cooperative for making good use of the assistance provided," Mr Tunabuna said.

He said the cooperative's production contributed to national food security and efforts to reduce reliance on imported rice.

Mr Tunabuna encouraged farmers in Dreketi to expand their operations and continue using mechanisation to improve productivity and efficiency.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry continues to assist farmer groups and cooperatives through programmes aimed at increasing agricultural output, strengthening food security and building a more resilient agricultural sector.esilient sector.