The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB) is committed to investing in mechanisation to assist farmers increase production of vegetables.
Minister for MALFFB, Matai Seremaiah said, “I managed to convince the Governments of Australia and New Zealand to provide financial assistance by investing in mechanisation.
“The Australian government has supported MALFFB with four tractors and New Zealand government one tractor. The tractors were allocated to the islands of Maewo, Tanna, Erromango, Efate and Epi. For the first time last year 2018, the Vanuatu government allocated budget to purchase three more tractors,” Mr Seremaiah said.
The tractors were allocated to Gaua, Santo and Malekula.
“Now that the MALFFB has managed to allocate tractors to all six provinces the next step will be expanding the mechanisation programme to each area council.”
Mr Seremaih made the comments while handing over a new tractor to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on Santo.
“With mechanisation, a farmer can plant more kava and other crops than using human labour. DARD will be charging the use of tractor at an amount of VT5,000 per hour. This amount is cheaper than hiring a community to work. The tractor will do all the workload and the farmers just need to plant, thus increasing production.”
Mr Seremaiah added that it is important for farmers to be well organised as tractors’ services will be considering a cost-effective way of serving more than one farmer in each area on Santo.
“The government through MALFFB and officers are mandated to assist you farmers and farmers need to work with the government,” the minister said.
Photo supplied Caption: Minister Matai Seremaiah handing over a tractor to DARD Santo