Farmers in Tubenasolo, a remote village located in the highlands of Nausori, were grateful to receive much-needed farming tools from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways yesterday.

Tubenasolo, which borders Nawaka and Navosa, is known for its challenging terrain, with villagers having to either walk or ride on horseback for over an hour to access the village.

As the last village in the Nawaka District, Tubenasolo sees development as a key to improving the lives of its people.

Yesterday’s handover was part of the Ministry’s Commercial Agriculture Development Program, aimed at empowering local farmers to expand their agricultural activities.

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, urged farmers to make the most of their land and focus on growing their yaqona crops.

“You have no excuse now,” said Rayalu.

“The first step has been taken today, and the next step is for you to work hard and reach your goals.”

Tui Nawaka, Ratu Joeli Derenalagi Naevo, also addressed the villagers, emphasizing the potential of the land they cultivate. “We are sitting on goldmines, but for years, we have been dormant.

It’s time to wake up and farm the land for a better future for our families,” Ratu Naevo said.

For years, Tubenasolo farmers have been growing yaqona on a small scale.

However, with the new motivation and support, they now plan to expand their yaqona production and diversify into vegetable farming.

Ratu Naevo also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its ongoing support and hopes that the assistance will help secure food and income security for the district.