$52,500 Rice Harvester Handed Over to Boost Rice Production in Vunidrodro

Rice farmers in Vunidrodro, Nadogo have received a major boost with the handover of a $52,500 rice harvester aimed at improving productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.

The new machine was officially handed over to the Vunidrodro Rice Farmers Cooperative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways’ Farm Mechanization Program. The initiative follows a cost-sharing arrangement, where the cooperative contributed $17,500 and the Ministry covered $35,000.

The Vunidrodro Cooperative has produced over 90 tons of rice paddies this year alone — a promising sign of the region’s potential in rice farming.

According to the Ministry, the mechanized harvester will allow farmers to harvest more efficiently, cut labour costs, improve grain quality, and minimize post-harvest losses.

“Mechanization is not just about equipment. It’s about making our farmers more competitive, improving efficiency, and opening up new income opportunities through better storage and processing,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry also emphasized the vital role women play in agriculture, acknowledging their contributions from planting and harvesting to managing food security at the household level.

“Their contribution to agriculture deserves greater recognition and support,” it added.

The Ministry sees this investment as a key step toward reducing Fiji’s dependency on rice imports and strengthening food security through locally driven agricultural development.