The Ministry of Agriculture on Friday (06/11) presented 28 year old Anilesh Prasad of the Visama feeder road in Nausori with a tractor and farming implements.
Acting Director Extension, Jone Sovalawa said that as part of the 2020 Agriculture policy agenda, the Ministry is taking steps such as these towards the modernization of the sector.
Mr Sovalawa said that Anilesh has been able to prove himself over the years as a successful young farmer and there was an urgent need to assist him with a tractor so he could maximize his 15 acre agricultural land.
“The Ministry will continue to working together and helping out farmers in the cultivation of land for agricultural purposes. Anilesh’s tractor of course can also be a resource for his neighbouring farmers who will have to pay for hire,” he added.
Mr Sovalawa also expressed his appreciation to Asco Motors in the purchasing of the machine and its implements.
Anilesh who was awarded Young Farmer of the year during the 2014 Central Division Agriculture Show said that receiving the tractor was such an encouragement.
“For a young farmer like me, receiving the tractor today is really a boost for me as it will definitely allow me to plant more and so increase my production of food crops,” he said.
Anilesh plants dalo, cassava, long bean, Chinese and English cabbage, dhania, chillies, bele and rourou and supplies his produce to the Nausori and Suva markets.
He lives with his brother and grandmother and extended family members. His family is originally from Dawasamu village in Tailevu.
DEPTFO