Rice farmers in the North will be able to increase their production after receiving four rice harvesters as part of the government's ongoing support for the agricultural sector.
The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, says the initiative is under the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation Programme and is part of a broader effort to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to sustain and expand their agricultural activities.
He says the rice harvesters are expected to significantly reduce the time and labour required for harvesting, allowing farmers to focus on other important aspects of their operations.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of modernising farming practices to improve food security and strengthen the local economy.
The Vatia Farmers Cooperative President Rajendra Mallay says it was always their dream to one day purchase their rice harvester and, through this contribution, they will be able to expand their rice farms.
Bulileka, Labasa farmer Aman Vikash Chand also received a rice harvester and says he was grateful to the government for the huge support throughout the years.
He says farmers know that they can only grow from here, and there is so much arable land in the surrounding communities that should be used for rice cultivation.
The other two rice harvesters were handed out to the Bureseini Farmers Cooperative in Seaqaqa and Vikranth Chandra Integrated Farm in Naleba, Macuata.
The Farm Mechanisation Programme is an approach by the Ministry to strengthen the agricultural sector, create economic opportunities, and ensure food security for the future.
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