Riya Mala 
[Photo: MINISTRY OF TRADE/FACEBOOK]
Tavua-based Yaladro Farmers Co-operative Ltd has strengthened its move toward efficient cane harvesting with the handover of its second mechanical harvester, building on nine years of growth and responsible financial management.
For farming families in Yaladro, mechanisation has changed harvest season realities.
Where manual cutting once meant cane remained in fields longer – losing weight and value – mechanised harvesting provides households with a steadier income.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries Manoa Kamikamica says the handover represents more than adding a machine to the fleet.
He says Yaladro’s progress demonstrates what farmers achieve when combining resources and working towards a shared commercial goal.
Registered in 2017 with 30 founding members, the co-operative was established to operate a mechanical cane harvester for its members and other producers in Tavua.
That year, it received a $90,000 grant from the Ministry of Sugar as equity to secure a $343,725 Fiji Development Bank loan for its first harvester and a van.
The co-operative has since grown to 39 members and fully settled its debt.
The second harvester was funded through the Government’s Integrated Human Resource Development Programme Grant and will further modernise operations, address labour shortages, and support timely harvesting.
