Narewa Youth Committed to Agricultural Success

A dedicated group of young men and women of Narewa Village in Nadi is committed to improving their community through agricultural projects such as farming.

The group is part of the Sa Dina Youth Cooperative, which is made up of 69 people including youths.

Group co-founder Buli Ratu said their cooperative had been actively operating since the 1960s, but was mostly engaged in cassava farming.

“Now, we have 32 youth, 10 women and 27 men in our cooperative. We are not only actively engaged in agriculture, but in community work as well and had been helping in the cleaning of the village for healthy living,” said Mr Ratu.

Last year, they managed to register as a cooperative through the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Communications.

Recently, the group received a tractor from the Ministry of Agriculture, with part of the cost covered by Government.

“The group is fortunate that we now have a tractor to carry out all land preparation works,” said Mr Ratu.

“Our new tractor was made possible through our determination to give one-third of the total cost of the tractor.

“We are aware of the great task ahead and believe that our continued unity will enable us to reap great rewards shortly.”

He said the youth had been following the solesolevaki (group work) method of farming to assist each other.

The Sa Dina Youth Cooperative has secured a contract with the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa where they supply vegetables and cassava.

Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu said youth engagement in agriculture was key to creating stronger, more productive communities.

Feedback: waiseaa@fijisun.com.fj