617 farmers in the Central Division were assisted through the Outsource Programme initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways during the 2023-2024 financial year.
This programme enables drainage, irrigation, land clearing, and land preparation works to be carried out through a 50/50 payment scheme where farmers who apply for the assistance will pay half the work and the Ministry will pay the other half.
According to the Principal Agricultural Officer in the Central, Adriano Tabualevu, the interest had spiked in its first year of initiation and it's the first time that they had arranged for the Outsource Programme as it gives opportunities for companies to hire out their machines on a 50/50 payment basis.
Tabualevu says farmers in the Central Division have shown their appreciation as work has become faster and they do not have to rely on the Government machines that are often tied up with work in other divisions.
He says they already have farmers on their waiting list, and this shows the huge demand for land preparation work and mechanised farming is truly the way to go if farmers want to switch from subsistence level to semi commercial and commercial farming.
A 40-year-old dairy farmer in Viria, Emoni Madrai says he can attest to the successful implementation of his farm road through the Outsource Programme as he has managed to expand his dalo farm to 3,500 dalo of the tausala variety and provide a dry road and paddock for his cattle to move freely during milking sessions.
43-year-old Alipate Tabuakatudrau of Serea in Naitasiri is also grateful for the huge assistance that was rendered to his 20 acres of land which was acquired back in 2015 and was covered with African Tulip trees and he did not have a clue what to plant that time.
He says through the Outsource Programme he can expand his dalo farming activities and hopes to penetrate the export markets too, and is calling on young men and women across Fiji to utilise the land as it has so much to offer.
He adds there is nothing sweeter than earning money from the sweat of your brows.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture will incorporate the same program in the next financial year and is encouraging farmers to visit their nearest agriculture station for more advice and information.
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