A women-led farming cooperative in Fiji's Northern Division is expanding rice production after receiving a government-funded harvester, highlighting the growing role of women in the country's agricultural sector and the benefits of cooperative farming.
The Malawai Central Farmers Cooperative, based in Dreketi in Macuata Province, comprises nine women and two men who have joined forces to improve productivity and strengthen food security.
The cooperative recently harvested 30 tonnes of rice and expects output to increase with the introduction of a new rice harvester provided under the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry's Farm Mechanisation Programme.
Under the programme, the cooperative contributed one-third of the cost of the machine, while the ministry funded the remaining two-thirds.
Cooperative president Sanjana Devi said members had initially farmed individually before deciding to work together following guidance from agriculture officers at the Dreketi Agriculture Station.
"We were all farming on our own, but through the advice and constant monitoring from the agriculture officers, we learnt about the power of working together as a cooperative. Today, we are stronger because we support each other and share our resources and knowledge," Devi said.
She said balancing farming with household responsibilities remains challenging for the cooperative's women members, who spend long days working in the rice fields before returning home to care for their families.
"As women, our work does not stop when we leave the fields. We still have to look after our children, prepare meals, clean the house and make sure our families are cared for. We do this because we want a better future for our children and our communities," she said.
The new harvester is expected to reduce labour requirements, improve harvesting efficiency and support plans to expand rice production in the coming years.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, praised the cooperative's commitment to agriculture and commended its women members for balancing farming, family and community responsibilities.
"Your story is truly inspiring. The dedication you have shown, not only in the rice fields but also in balancing your responsibilities at home and within your communities, is commendable. You are demonstrating that when people work together towards a common goal, great things can be achieved," Tunabuna said.
He said the cooperative reflects the government's strategy of supporting farmers through collaboration, modern farming technology and improved access to agricultural equipment, while encouraging other farming groups across Fiji to adopt similar approaches.
The Malawai Central Farmers Cooperative has emerged as a model for community-based farming, demonstrating how cooperative structures can improve productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and create leadership opportunities for women in agriculture.
Its members said they remain committed to expanding rice production in Fiji's Northern Division while helping strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of their families and communities.
