Tractor Boosts Farming in Navua

Raiwaqa Farmers Cooperatives Settlement in Navua has received a tractor from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development to enhance their farming practices and increase agricultural productivity.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakeasi Ditoka, while handing over the farming implements to the community, said the project represented a significant step towards empowering rural and outer island communities.

“The Raiwaqa Farming Implement Project is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our community members, government partners, and supporters who have all come together to make this project a reality,” Mr Ditoka said.

“Through the provision of farming implements such as tools, equipment, and machinery, we aim to enhance the agricultural capabilities of our farmers and help them generate sustainable income for themselves and their families.”

The ministry hopes the community will use the tools and resources wisely and effectively.

“I am confident that the Raiwaqa Farming Implement Project will not only improve agricultural productivity in Serua but also serve as a model for other rural and outer island communities to follow.

Let us seize this opportunity to support our farmers, strengthen our agricultural sector, and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for our community.”

Raiwaqa Farmers’ Cooperative chair, Ravindra Lal, said the cooperative consists of 37 farmer members farming on over 100 acres of land in Raiwaqa.

The Cooperative was established in 2002 and registered in 2003.

“To try to find a tractor was hard, but now with the new tractor, our work will be easier. Now, the farms can be ready on time. Thanks to the Government for making this possible,” Mr Lal said.

Meanwhile, three cooperatives from the district of Deuba in Serua — Tokatoka Nakubu Cooperative, Tokatoka Naiverevere Cooperative Ltd, and Yavusa Deuba Cooperative Society — also received brand-new farming implements from the ministry.

Funded under the Ministry’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme at a cost exceeding $30,000, the provision of these farming implements aims to boost farming activities and accelerate economic development in the area. The project also aims to address social needs in the community while promoting economic growth.

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