Villagers of Nasautoka, Wainibuka, Tailevu have earmarked 100 acres of land for the rehabilitation of cocoa and the introduction of coffee farming.
Minister for Agriculture, Vatimi Rayalu has commended the elders of the village for their vision saying forging stronger partnerships is the key to strengthening agriculture and they are indeed grateful that the people of Nasautoka have seen the value of these two commodities.
Rayalu says there is a lot of idle land which must be utilised and urged women and youths to rise up and take the challenge of farming for a living.
He says there is an increase in the number of youths in our communities that are leaving our shores for employment.
The Minister says we need replacement farmers who are willing to work hard and produce food for their families as well as people living in Fiji.
He also says farmers do not have to rely on other people for food but are able to plant their own and also sell them for their daily living.
Villagers need to seek advice from ministry officials and utilize the services that they provide.
Chairman of the Tailevu Provincial Council, Rusiate Tudravu has thanked the Ministry after receiving 40 coils of fencing material to kick start their goal of reviving dairy production in the Wainibuka area.
Tudravu says they want to increase their dairy production and the assistance by the Ministry will allow them to keep their cattle safe and they are also looking forward to starting their cocoa and coffee farms.
He says they have a Chilling Centre in Waidalice and the aim now is to grow their dairy business on a larger scale.
The Chairman says they really want to increase their efforts in growing agriculture and according to the strategic plan of the Tailevu Province, they want to alleviate poverty through amicable solutions.
He says there is a lot of wealth in agriculture and this is something that he can attest to since moving back into the village after resigning from the Fiji Police Force.
Tudravu says this is an opportunity to maximise their resources and the assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture is an added boost to their overall efforts.
In the coming weeks, agricultural officers will move into Nasautoka to assist in the revitalisation of the cocoa and coffee farms.
