Caption: Director LWRM Colin Simmons and Director AH&P Tomasi Tunabuna, Director LRP .Photo:SUPPLIED.
As part of efforts to boost rice production in Fiji, the Hon. Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu yesterday (06/01/15) handed over combined rice harvester machines to three farmers in the Northern Division.
The farmers were Mohammed Khalid Hussein of Taganikula, Nadogo, Mr Kesh Lal of Vunika and Mr Pyara Singh Jaja of Dreketi who all produce 20 tonnes of rice annually.
Mr-Kesh-Lal-receives-the-key-to-the-new-rice-combined-harverster.
“I hope that this contribution from Government in partnership with you will help you a lot in terms of increased and improved production in the Northern Division,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“I hope that you will appreciate the assistance from Government and of course, we will work together for the good of the industry.”
The farmers expressed their gratitude to Government for this timely assistance.
Mr Khalid said that the machine will really boost production of rice at his farm and he will also be able to have other rice farmers from around his area to use the machine.
Mr Jajja said this rice harvester was long overdue for use in his farm and that he was very thankful to the Ministry for the timely provision of the rice machine.
The Ministry’s acting permanent secretary Uraia Waibuta said that the assistance is also part of Government’s efforts in modernising the agriculture sector.
The farmers, Mr Waibuta added were provided with assistance on a two third, one third basis and are expected to use the machines effectively for the production of rice for Fiji.
The machines each cost $47,850 and one third of this amount ($15,950) was being paid by the farmer. The two third is payable by the Ministry of Agriculture.
DEPTFO