In a bid to support young farmers with modern equipment as a step towards greater self and economic resilience, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka handed over a brand new excavator worth $198,000 to the students of the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institution (NATI).
The Prime Minister told the students that he strongly believes that Fiji must reduce its dependence on imports and instead focus on investing in its natural resources.
Rabuka says agriculture is key to this vision in utilizing the equipment to its fullest potential will increase their productivity, especially in the areas of agricultural output and land preparation.
He adds the importance of investing in agriculture to ensure food security and sustainable development in Fiji while urging the graduates to not only look at themselves as farmers but as leaders contributing effectively to society and the economy as a whole.
Head of Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, Uraia Waibuta expressed his gratitude to the government for its financial support.
Waibuta says this will significantly improve the educational environment and give students hands-on experience with running contemporary technology.
The project fulfills a commitment made by the Head of Government during the Rewa Provincial Council meeting on 19 July 2024 and was later raised again by the Head of the Institute during the school’s graduation ceremony earlier this year.
Waibuta also paid tribute to the late Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu who was a big supporter of their institution
