Bulavou Cooperative boosts Rewa farming through government Mechanization Support


A new milestone in rural development has been achieved in Rewa, as the Bulavou Development Cooperative Limited — comprising 100 members from Waivou, Burebasaga, Suvalailai, and Naivikasara — received a tractor and farming implements under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Farm Mechanization Program this week.



The official handover ceremony in Burebasaga Village was officiated by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Inosi Kuridrani, and attended by the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

The event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering grassroots communities through innovation, modern infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.



Kuridrani says the $45,000 investment follows a one-third government and two-thirds cooperative cost-sharing arrangement, marking a significant step toward enhancing food security, productivity, and rural livelihoods in Rewa — a province celebrated for its fertile wetlands and agricultural heritage.



Kuridrani acknowledges the cooperative’s unity and forward-thinking spirit, noting that the new tractor will reduce labour strain, speed up land preparation, and create opportunities for youth and women to actively participate in agribusiness.



He says the Bulavou Cooperative has shown what’s possible when communities work together with purpose.



Kuridrani adds that the Farm Mechanization Program continues to play a key role in supporting rural cooperatives across Fiji, helping farmers move from subsistence to commercial farming.



He says for cooperative members, the tractor represents more than just new machinery — it’s a symbol of empowerment and progress.



Kuridrani highlights that farmers now have the tools to increase productivity, improve income, and expand into value-added agriculture.

He adds that women in the cooperative also stand to benefit, as mechanization reduces the physical burden of farming, creating more inclusive participation in the agricultural sector.



The project is also expected to inspire youth involvement in farming, offering employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within the community.

Expressing gratitude, Rokotunimatadreketi Ratu Watisoni Vakalutukali says the support is a testament to perseverance and unity, reflecting the cooperative’s years of collective effort and commitment to development.