RICE HARVESTER HANDED TO VUNIYALAYALA FARMERS COOPERATIVE

#growingagriculture 🌾| Fiji continues to import a significant amount of rice, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is intensifying its programs to address this challenge.
These were the remarks by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, when handing over a rice harvester today, which will greatly benefit the members of the Vuniyalayala Farmers Cooperative.
Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna reminded farmers that increasing rice production remains a key national priority. He stressed that the Ministry cannot achieve this alone and called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.
“We hope that this rice harvester will not only boost production for your cooperative but also inspire others in your communities who have available land to consider rice farming,” Hon. Tunabuna said.
He highlighted government’s commitment through the $115 million allocation to the Ministry in the 2025/2026 National Budget and also emphasized the Look North Policy, which targets growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, transport, and energy supply for communities in the Northern Division.
“More tourists are expected in the Northern Division, which means more food will be required by hotels and restaurants. Farmers play a huge role in meeting this demand. Without farmers, there is no production, and we salute you for feeding the nation with healthy and nutritious produce,” Hon. Tunabuna said.
He further encouraged farmers to visit their nearest agriculture office for assistance and expert advice.
“If you are thinking of starting your own farm, you need to do it right. Coordinate with agriculture officers so that you can sustainably utilize your land,” he added.
The Vuniyalayala Farmers Cooperative, established in 2021 with 11 members, was formed with the vision of utilizing idle land for both sugar and non-sugar cultivation.
Since its inception, the cooperative has worked toward acquiring machinery to revive rice production and improve crop yields through better varieties.
In the 2022/2023 financial year, the cooperative contributed $15,540, while the Ministry paid the remaining $31,080 toward the purchase of their tractor. To date, they have saved around $30,000, generated through cooperative activities, while assisting more than 30 farmers within and outside their locality.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, they contributed $17,500 toward a second rice harvester, with the Ministry paying the remaining total amount.
This machine has since generated $13,274 in income and supported around 20 farmers.
President of the Vuniyalayala Farmers Cooperative, Mukesh Chand expressed his gratitude for the assistance rendered to them.
“I am grateful for the assistance and know that through the provision of these machines, we will be able to increase production and also assist other farmers in the area,” he smiled.
The availability of these machines has led to a steady increase in crop production in the area and to date they have increased rice production from 60 acres to 70 acres, cassava cultivation grew from 35 acres to 45 acres and assorted vegetables increased from 12 acres to 17 acres.
The cooperative also manage repair works and maintenance of the machines themselves, reflecting strong management and unity among its members.
Through partnerships such as these, the Ministry is confident that Fiji can reduce its reliance on rice imports and grow the agriculture sector to support national food security and economic growth.
ENDS