New Tractor Converts Idle Land to Productive Use
Empowering resource owners to convert their land into productive use is a priority of the Ministry for Trade, CoOperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises.
In particular the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Manoa Kamikamica made this comment during the handing over of a tractor to Nukusolevu Co-operative Limited in Nasarawaqa Village, Lekutu, Bua yesterday.
Cultivate land to earn more
“As you cultivate more idle land, you have a chance to earn more and improve your lives,” said the Minister for Trade, Co-Operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications. “You can support your families, send your children for tertiary education, improve your homes and improve your standard of living.” He advised them to take full ownership of the business and ensure it continues to flourish and grow further.
“The handing over of the tractor equipment is timely and it will greatly assist in your next phase of development as a co-operative,” he said.
“The tractor is valued at $77,080, whereby the Government has invested 2/3 of the cost to the value of $51,386.66 and the 1/3 of which the cooperative has paid in the value of $25,693.”
Nukusolevu Co-operative Limited
Nukusolevu Co-operative Limited chairperson Sakiusa Ramavo said the co-operative was established four years ago and has been working in partnership with Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Ministry of Agriculture on land utilisation for better returns.
This partnership has seen cultivation of idle land and brought about incomes that have supported the mataqali‘s plans and individual families.