The Office of the Prime Minister has recently gifted a new 51-horsepower tractor, with a value of nearly $50,000, to New Valley Processors Fiji in Ra. This initiative, officiated by Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, took place in Vatuka Village. Tubuna emphasized that this tractor represents not only a new piece of machinery but also a symbol of progress, empowerment, and partnership with rural communities.
The funding for this tractor comes from the 2025–2026 Development Grant budget. Its primary aim is to support 21 farmer cluster groups in Ra, benefiting over 10,000 farmers across the regions of Ra, Ba, and Nadroga/Navosa. The introduction of mechanization is expected to substantially decrease labor costs and enhance efficiency, thereby reinforcing food security.
Additionally, the tractor is set to bolster the production of key crops like cowpeas and cassava for both local consumption and export markets. In a gesture of international cooperation, the Assistant Minister expressed gratitude to India for its donation of five tonnes of cowpea seeds, highlighting how this support will further augment farm productivity.
The tractor handover aligns with similar nationwide efforts aimed at improving agricultural practices and supporting rural communities through modern farming equipment. Initiatives such as these are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate Fiji’s agricultural sector by enhancing efficiency, reducing dependency on manual labor, and improving overall productivity. Previous similar initiatives, such as those in Nadi and other regions, have shown positive outcomes in empowering local farming communities and boosting agricultural output while encouraging youth participation in agriculture.
This development is reflective of the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the agricultural backbone of the nation. Such investments not only foster community empowerment but also pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural industry, promising a prosperous future for Fiji’s farming communities.