Chairman
Board of Directors
Members of the Kade Draidrai Farmers Co-operative Limited and Community
Bula Re and very good morning.
It is great to be here in the friendly North again and be part of this auspicious occasion to celebrate our self-driven entrepreneurs.
With the world still dealing with devastating effects of the pandemic, it is always encouraging and inspiring to see our grassroot businesses not losing hope and persevering. Whilst our international borders came to a grinding halt, business closed – you kept going – the co-operative kept toiling.
In fact – I can confidently say that facing and dealing with challenges is not new for this co-operative and this community.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic you were hit by Cyclone Winston – the strongest cyclone ever to hit the Southern Hemisphere. And as the effect of COVID was taking its toll on Fijians, you were hit by Cyclone Yasa and flooding – but you remained steady in the face of adversity and bounced right back. This is a true testament to how working together in solidarity can overcome challenges.
In fact – Kade Draidrai Co-operative Limited should be given the needed recognition and respect for pushing its barriers and re-inventing its business model. This Northern based co-operative saw opportunities rather than the adversities in these difficult times.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Starting off as a Land purchase of co-operative in 1967 – some 55 years ago – fulfilled its mandate and re-looked at its operations by diversifying into a farming co-operative business.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Minister responsible for Co-operatives, I was personally delighted to know that the revenue earned from the pine harvest in early 2021, amounting to $68,360.40. This came at a time when your members needed it the most to rebuild and provide their families a decent livelihood.
It is also commendable that despite the co-operative setting aside $5,000 for operational use, they were able to distribute dividends to the 22 members. This is aligned to the key values of any co-operative business, which is self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and most importantly solidarity.
The co-operatives model builds on the concept of improving livelihoods and addressing economic issues by working in numbers. We applaud all those that pursue business through registering as a co-operative business.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Your commercial dreams are becoming reality today! Thank you for allowing the Government to be part of this. The purchase of the Tractor has come about a one-third and two third investment by the co-operative and the Government through the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme.
The total cost of the tractor amounted to $47,800 to which the co-operative business has contributed approximately $15,933 and the Government has contributed approximately $31,867.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The tractor will enable you to venture into the next phase of economic agricultural development through mechanisation and modernisation of farms.
I will reiterate what I had said last week in Sigatoka, about the demand of locally grown products in the international market. There is a huge demand for ginger in the Australian market. Additionally, as commercial export of kava to Australia has commenced there is potential for you to get into the kava plantation and export. Fijian turmeric is making in-roads in the international markets, such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Our range of Fijian Made produce has significant potential, for the niche and high-market around the world.
So today, I encourage the farmers here to step out of your comfort zone and consider producing for export. Even so far as setting up your own processing and export facilities.
I also encourage you to join our national brand “Fijian Made-Buy Fijian” by applying for the Fijian Grown or Made logo. This will give recognition and add value to the agricultural produce.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government has always seen the potential in the Northern Division and has vigorously invested and boosted the business activities for this part of our country.
The most well-known programme, specifically designed for the Northern Division is our Northern Development Programme (NDP). Through the NDP alone since its establishment we have invested approximately $10 million into the development of the micro, small and medium enterprises in partnership with lending institutions.
Good things are happening in the Northern Division, which will bring about the much needed economic change, which the FijiFirst Government has been pushing for and will continue to do so in the coming future. This is evident from the recent development projects in the main Labasa Town from private stakeholders.
We have celebrate International Women Day this week – I urge you to encourage more participation from our women and youth segments. A lot more can be achieved if you open your doors to them.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We will continue to support your ventures not only through our grant programmes but through the various training and business advisory services provided by the Ministry.
We have two offices situated in Labasa, one at Macuata House and the other at Raobe Building, please do visit our office.
With these words, Ladies and Gentlemen – I congratulate Kade Draidrai Farmers Co-operative Limited all the best in its future endeavors.
Thank you