The government has taken a significant step toward modernizing rice farming in the Northern Division by distributing four rice harvesters to local farmers. This initiative, part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Farm Mechanization Program, aims to enhance productivity, reduce labor demands, and allow farmers to focus on improving other aspects of their operations.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, emphasized the importance of adopting modern farming techniques to strengthen food security and boost the local economy. He highlighted that the new machinery would help reduce both time and labor costs, ultimately contributing to greater sustainability and profitability for farmers.
In addition to providing the harvesters, the government has pledged training and technical support to ensure that farmers can fully leverage the benefits of the new equipment.
This initiative is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to empower farmers, create economic opportunities, and enhance food security in the Northern Division and across Fiji.
The harvesters were distributed to the Bureseini Farmers Cooperative in Seaqaqa and the Vikranth Chandra Integrated Farm in Naleba, Macuata.