The immense support and assistance provided by the Indonesian Government to the Ministry for Agriculture have benefited most farmers in commercialising their farms.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy while receiving five-held tractors from the Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Raden Mohammed Benyamin Scott Carnadi.
Reddy acknowledged the continuous support by the Indonesian Government towards enhancing the Ministry’s objective of commercialising the agriculture sector.
He says the five hand-held tractors will add to food security and boost crop production which will contribute to the development of the national economy.
He adds in 2004, the Ministry signed an MOU with the Republic of Indonesia that enabled the distribution of ten hand-held tractors to rice farmers in Vanua Levu.
The Minister says in 2014 another agreement was signed between the two nations for the provision of another ten hand-held tractors which boosted farmers production.
He further says they signed another MOU in 2017 which allowed the exchange of technical information, exchange of specialists, transfer of technology and training and promotion of joint ventures in marketing agricultural commodities.
Reddy says the Ministry has other areas of engagement with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as part of their ongoing collaboration.
The Minister stressed that this assistance is a reflection of Indonesia’s goodwill and friendship towards the Government and people of Fiji, which will contribute to the productivity of our farmers and he is confident that this equipment will definitely boost farmer’s capacity in achieving a lot more out of their specific crop activities.
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