PM Hands Over $198,000 Excavator to Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute

Fiji must work towards reducing its reliance on imports and prioritize investments in our natural resources. Agriculture plays a crucial role in this vision, and equipping our young farmers with modern tools is a vital step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency and economic resilience."

This was the key message delivered by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka during the presentation of a brand-new $198,000 excavator to students at the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute (NATI) on Saturday, June 14, 2025. This initiative fulfills a commitment made by the Prime Minister during the Rewa Provincial Council meeting on July 19, 2024, which was subsequently mentioned by the Head of the Institute at the school's graduation ceremony earlier this year.

In his speech, Prime Minister Rabuka encouraged the students—who will benefit most from this machinery—to fully utilize the excavator to enhance their productivity, particularly in agricultural output and land preparation. He acknowledged that procuring such equipment through the Government's procurement process often takes time and urged students to be diligent in maintaining the machinery. "Excavators are essential for various agricultural tasks, including land clearing, drainage system installation, pond and reservoir construction, terracing, leveling, and digging.

This makes the excavator an invaluable asset in contemporary agricultural practices," he stated. The Prime Minister also called on the teaching staff to maintain accurate records of harvests before and after the introduction of the excavator to evaluate its effect on production yields. He reiterated the vital role of investing in agriculture to ensure food security and sustainable development in Fiji. "Funding from the Government to institutions like Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute is crucial. It will significantly improve the learning environment and provide students with hands-on experience in operating modern machinery," Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted.

Additionally, he encouraged the graduates to view themselves not only as farmers but as leaders who can contribute positively to society and the economy. Mr. Uraia Waibuta, Head of Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, expressed appreciation for the Government's financial support, stating that it would greatly enrich the learning experience and offer students practical training in utilizing modern equipment. Mr. Waibuta further noted that the excavator would enhance their capabilities in land preparation and production while also serving as an essential teaching tool that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The institute is dedicated to ensuring that students fully leverage the benefits of this machinery for their future careers.

The handover ceremony at the Institute began with a moment of silence in honor of the late Vatimi Rayalu, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, who passed away the previous Thursday. Mr. Rayalu was a colleague of Mr. Waibuta, who paid tribute to him as a strong supporter of Navuso. #FijiNews #GovernmentNews #CoalitionGovernment