Worth the Wait for Village Company
“I appreciate your patience in Government’s efforts to secure a tractor, and now you no longer need to rely on others for land preparation,” he said.
Saturday 26 October 2024 | 13:25
The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna handed over a tractor with a 3-disc plough valued at $47,100 to Koroisau Cooperative at Naboutini Village in Sabeto, Nadi.
It was worth the wait for members of the Koroisau Co-operative, a village company in Nadi after their dream became a reality this week.
On Monday, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna handed-over a tractor equipped with a three-disc plough valued at $47,100 at Naboutini Village in Sabeto.
Co-operative chairperson Sikeli Tabua was grateful to Government for the timely assistance.
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“We will maximise the use of this tractor,” Mr Tabua said.
He said the co-operative has two hectares of land planted with cassava, assorted vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.
“The co-operative strives to be the top supplier of vegetables to nearby roadside markets and hotels, focusing on quantity, quality and prioritising customer preferences and satisfaction. With the use of this tractor, we will be able to achieve this goal.”
The assistance was provided under the Farm Mechanisation Programme where the co-operative paid a third of the cost ($15,700) and the Ministry the remaining two-thirds of the cost.
Mr Tunabuna urged co-operative members to be agents of change by empowering themselves holistically in this rapidly developing time.
“We no longer depend solely on traditional knowledge passed down by our ancestors to make use of our land. Work and support each other as we will be stronger together. The concept of solesolevaki (working in groups) is still magical in this day and age,” he said.
He said the members eagerly waited for the government’s assistance and it was worth the wait as they would expand their farming capabilities to another level.
“I appreciate your patience in Government’s efforts to secure a tractor, and now you no longer need to rely on others for land preparation,” he said.
Co-operative history
Established last January, members of the Koroisau Co-operative, have fruitfully utilised their iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB)-leased lands that had expired and planned to expand them for farming business.
There are 26 registered members including 14 females and 12 males. They aim to achieve financial stability and a sustainable market for fresh produce and secure markets in nearby resorts and hotels.
The co-operative has ventured into farming as a business and supplies its produce to the Nadi and Lautoka municipal markets.
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