Nakovacake Cluster Farmers Receive A Tractor

A tractor worth $15,000 was handed over to the Na­kovacake Cluster Farmers yesterday by the Ministry of Agri­culture to assist in the agriculture development plans of the Vanua o Nakovacake.

While handing over the keys of the tractor in Navoci Village in Nadi, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Ma­hendra Reddy praised the Nakova­cake Cluster Farmers, a subsidi­ary of Nakovacake Development Trust, for working together to raise the required funds needed for the purchase of the tractor.

The tractor was paid for on the one-third, two-thirds basis assis­tance of the Government, with the Nakovacake Cluster Farmers pay­ing a total of $5500 as part of their one-third contribution.

“It is an honour for us to be here because we see that COVID-19 has opened up a new mindset and new opportunities. Every adversity has its opportunity to be taken advan­tage of,” said Mr Reddy.

“I would also like to acknowledge your leaders in the community for providing the leadership so your young people can realise that your strength comes from the resources that you own, but the resources won’t generate the income itself.”

“There are some resources that need to be developed, and the deci­sion that you made that day to in­vest $5,500.00, was not an expendi­ture, but an investment in the future of the youth and wellbeing of the villagers.”

Mr Reddy further emphasised that since international borders would soon open and tourism would return, there was an urgent need for farmers to consistently meet the demands from the tour­ism sector as more local cuisine would be promoted in hotel menus.

Farmers applaud government

Co-ordinator of Nakovacake Farmers Cluster, Asinate Dawai expressed her gratitude for the as­sistance saying the strides taken by the ministry through its devel­opment programmes and assis­tance were outlined to ensure food and nutrition security, boost local production, and raise farm efficien­cy and productivity.

“The Nakovacake elders, mem­bers of our community, Nakova­cake Development Trust and our farmers wish to acknowledge this donation with utmost appreciation and gratitude,” she said.

Ms Dawai said the Vanua o Na­kovacake was not exempt from the perils of COVID-19, as most of the breadwinners had lost their jobs, with their livelihoods continuing to be affected for more than a year.

“Many of our people are now turning to farming as a source of food and income. This donation will maximise agriculture produc­tion,” she said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Nakovacake Development Trust, Anare Naivutevute said that prior to COVID-19, the Vanua o Nakova­cake led a very different life as al­most all of their members worked in the tourism industry.

“This tractor will provide essen­tial support for subsistence and commercial farming. This tractor will not only be used by the Na­kovacake people but will also be shared with other struggling farm­ers with a common interest under the banner of progress and securi­ty. This assistance has boosted our morale,” said Mr Naivutevute.