30 rice farmers in Labasa will be able to increase their farming production after they receive a tractor from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
The farmers received the tractors under the Farm Mechanisation Program.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna says rice cultivation must be strengthened as Fiji heavily depends on rice imports for consumption, which now stands at $37.54 million in 2023.
Tunabuna says this dependency on rice not only strains the economy but also hinders the growth of the farmers.
He says they support the 30 farmers in the then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI) Labasa Branch by providing them with a tractor and implements to elevate their farming programs.
Meanwhile, 73-year-old Appna Murti from Coqeloa says this will increase their production and prepare the land for a fruitful harvest.
During the handing-over ceremony, the TISI Sangam also paid tribute to their senior citizens for their contribution to society.
The Assistant Minister thanked the elders for their invaluable contribution in lifting the standard of living from building homes to toiling the land.
He adds this contribution is towards the nation as a whole.
More than 50 senior citizens of the TISI Sangam were recognised for their valuable contribution to society and the nation.
