Over 600 farmers in the Central Division of Fiji have been assisted through the Ministry of Agriculture’s new Outsource Program. This program enables drainage, irrigation, land clearing, and land preparation works through a 50/50 payment scheme.
The program, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, has seen a spike in interest in its first year. Farmers have shown appreciation for faster work and the ability to switch from subsistence to semi-commercial and commercial farming.
The program already has farmers on its waiting list, indicating a high demand for land preparation work. Emoni Madrai, a dairy farmer in Viria, has successfully implemented his farm road through the Outsource Program, expanding his dalo farm to 3,500 dalo of the tausala variety and providing a dry road and paddock for cattle movement during milking sessions.
Alipate Tabuakatudrau, a 43-year-old farmer in Serea, is grateful for the assistance provided to his 20 acres of land, which he acquired in 2015. He hopes to expand his dalo farming activities and penetrate the export markets.
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