A $5 million agricultural mechanisation package was received from China, with the hope of progressing cultivation throughout the nation.

Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa received the 21 heavy machinery units.

"This project directly addresses one of our most persistent challenges - the difficulty of land preparation in our rocky, heavily vegetated terrain," Fiame stated. "With this modern equipment, we can bring more land into productive use, increase efficiency, and ultimately improve food security for our nation."

This strategic investment delivers five excavators, six complete tractor systems, and ten dump trucks of varying capacities to address Samoa's chronic agricultural constraints.

The package includes a fully equipped maintenance workshop and features six Chinese agricultural engineers who will conduct intensive three-month training programs for Samoan technicians and farmers.  

The project builds upon the successful Samoa-China Agricultural Technical Aid Project (SCATAP) established in 2010, which has transformed Samoa's agricultural landscape.

Historic achievements under SCATAP include the development of the region's largest demonstration farm at Nu'u, construction of 210 protected farming structures, and the establishment of nine agricultural extension stations nationwide.  

"These mechanised solutions directly address our farmers' most persistent challenges in land preparation and cultivation," stated Fiame .

The new equipment will be managed through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, with the government committing additional resources to establish permanent maintenance facilities.