Villagers receive assistance to revitalise dairy production

TO revive dairy production in Tailevu, Nasautoka villagers in Wainibuka received 40 coils of fencing material from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu praised the elders of the village for their vision, in which they have also earmarked 100 acres of land for the rehabilitation of cocoa and the introduction of coffee farming.

“I am grateful to the people of Nasautoka for the initiative that they are now embarking on, as this means that they value their land and realise the potential that agriculture has in terms of food and income security,” Mr Rayalu said.

“Forging stronger partnerships is the key to strengthening agriculture and we are indeed grateful that you have seen the value of these two commodities and are willing to work with the ministry in driving the program forward.”

Mr Rayalu reminded villagers that there was a lot of idle land which must be utilised and urged women and youths to rise and take on the challenge of farming for a living.

“There is an increase in the number of youths in our communities that are leaving our shores for employment.

“We need replacement farmers who are willing to work hard and produce food for their families as well as people living in Fiji.

“Farmers do not have to rely on other people for food but are able to plant their own and also sell them for their daily living.”

Chairman of the Tailevu Provincial Council, Rusiate Tudravu thanked the ministry for their prompt action in delivering the fencing material that they had requested.

“We want to increase our dairy production and the assistance by the ministry will allow us to keep our cattle safe,” he said.

“We have our chilling centre in Waidalice and the aim now is to grow our dairy business on a larger scale.”

He added the huge boost from the ministry would also help in their cocoa and coffee farms.