The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry has taken another significant step towards improving service delivery in rural Fiji with the official launch of Starlink Internet Services at the Wainikoro Station in Macuata.
Officially launching the service, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the installation marked an important milestone for the Ministry's operations in the Northern Division.
Speaking before community representatives and Ministry staff, Tunabuna acknowledged the dedication and perseverance of officers who had continued to serve farming communities despite operating for many years without reliable internet connectivity.
“Today is more than just the installation of an internet connection. It is a significant step forward in strengthening service delivery, improving communication, and creating better opportunities for our officers and the farming communities we serve,” he said.
The Wainikoro Station is currently staffed by three Ministry officers who provide extension and advisory services to farmers across the tikinas of Nadogo, Dogotuki, Namuka, Udu and Cikobia. The introduction of reliable internet connectivity is expected to significantly enhance their ability to communicate, access information and deliver timely support to farming communities across these remote areas.
The Starlink installation, valued at $11,322, will provide high-speed internet access to the station, enabling officers to access online reporting systems, agricultural research, weather information, technical support and training resources in real time.
Tunabuna said the new connectivity would strengthen communication and collaboration between Ministry offices across Fiji while improving the quality and efficiency of services delivered to farmers.
“Our officers will now have faster access to information, online resources, reporting systems, weather updates, agricultural research, training opportunities and communication platforms that are critical to modern agricultural services,” he said.
He encouraged staff to fully utilise the new technology to improve productivity and service delivery while maintaining professionalism, integrity and commitment to the communities they serve.
The Minister also acknowledged the vital role farmers play in supporting food security, economic growth and national development, urging them to continue working closely with extension officers to strengthen agricultural production throughout the province.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of many families and communities. Success in agriculture is achieved through partnership, collaboration and mutual commitment. When farmers and officers work together, we can achieve greater results for our communities and our nation,” he said.
Tunabuna said the improved connectivity would accelerate access to information and enable support services to be delivered more effectively to farmers throughout Wainikoro and the wider Macuata Province.
The launch forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and ensure that officers working in remote and rural areas have access to the digital tools needed to support Fiji’s agricultural sector.
The Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new internet service would empower staff, support farmers and create new opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity within the community.
In addition to launching the Starlink Internet Service, Tunabuna handed over the keys to the station’s official vehicle, which will be used by officers to visit farms, monitor agricultural activities and provide extension services to farmers.
The vehicle is expected to improve officers’ mobility and strengthen the Ministry’s ability to provide timely support and technical assistance to farming communities across the station’s extensive service area.
Tunabuna reminded staff that the vehicle was a valuable government asset and encouraged them to use it responsibly to better serve farmers and support agricultural development in the region.
