Farmers in Sawene Village, Navosa, are expected to improve productivity and reduce farming costs following the handover of a tractor to the Matuku Farmers Group.

The tractor was recently handed over by Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Development, Dr Tekini Nakidakida, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry’s Farm Mechanization Program.

Established on 29 July 2025 at the Vatumali Agriculture Station, the Matuku Cluster has grown into a semi-commercial farming enterprise with 12 active members, including several young farmers.

The new equipment is expected to make land preparation and other farming operations more efficient, reduce reliance on manual labour and lower production costs, allowing members to increase production and generate more income.

Group president Aporosa Taninatirau welcomed the assistance, saying the tractor would help members expand their farming activities as they work towards becoming a commercially competitive farming cluster.

He also acknowledged the Ministry’s technical guidance and continued support, which he said had contributed to the group’s growth from a small farming cluster into a developing agricultural enterprise.

Dr Nakidakida recognised the farmers’ contribution to food security and rural economic development, noting that the mechanisation programme aims to address labour shortages and encourage modern farming practices.

He urged members to maintain the tractor properly to ensure its long-term benefits and share their farming knowledge with others in the community.

The Ministry says it will continue supporting farmers and stakeholders to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods and promote a sustainable farming sector in Fiji.