Naivorati Farmers Become First Voluntary Members With FNPF
Twelve members of Naivorati Farmers of Lomaivuna in Naitasiri have become the first set of voluntary members from the rural sector to register with
Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). Through a partnership with Fiji Agro Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture and FNPF, these contract farmers will be able to secure a pension plan upon reaching retirement age and other benefits.
The partnership would also allow the Naivorati
Farmers to make deposits to their account once they sell their produce.
Overall Naivorati Farmers has 25 members.
Benefits to Naivorati Farmers
The Naivorati Farmers was formed earlier this year under a three year programme with Fiji Agro Marketing where the farmers would plant various crops and vegetables to be sold to Fiji Agro Marketing.
Saving for the future
President of Naivorati Farmers Tomasi Nasuikau said through FNPF, the farmers would be able to save more money for their future.
“Before, we would just deposit our money in the bank but it was easy for us to just go to the ATM to withdraw so we didn’t save much.
“Now with our money saved in FNPF, we won’t be tempted to withdraw as there would be a withdrawal process to follow,” he said. “The farmers have benefited a lot from this assistance from Government and Fiji Agro Marketing as finding the right market for our produce was a challenge.
“Now, we just harvest and sell our produce to Fiji Agro Marketing right at our doorstep without having to pay for transport costs to get to the market,” said Mr Nasuikau.
Ministry of Agriculture
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy said one of the issues identified by the Ministry was ensuring that rural Fijians were not left out from the benefits of being an FNPF member. “One of the issues that was highlighted by the rural and maritime people was that they were not part of the national social security institution FNPF and therefore when their bodies give up or when they are not able to work and earn an income there’s no retirement plan.
“People sometimes are not able to work when they reach 55 years but because they are not members of FNPF, they are not eligible to go on a pension scheme.
“Things have changed as I’ve said that this Government is very particular about growing together,” he said.
Mr Reddy officiated the signing of FNPF membership for contracted farmers at Lomaivuna in Naitasiri yesterday.