By RAEVENN BREEN
The first batch of commercial agriculture scholarship recipients graduated this week from the Fiji National University trained with modern agriculture techniques.
The graduation ceremony at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka saw the 37 pioneer commercial agriculture scholarship recipients graduate.
University Chancellor and Minister for Education, Ambassador Filipe Bole, highlighted that this type of qualification is something that students would benefit highly from.
He stressed that agriculture played a significant role in the country and that these graduates would play a key role in this particular sector for economic development.
“They have the power to ensure that our acres and acres of idle fertile land that we have in Fiji can be developed into large farms producing endless amounts of fruits, vegetables and live-stock,” he said.
“This will not only decrease our import bill but also ensure no one in Fiji is not able to get access to good quality and readily-available agricultural products during and off-season.”
He urged the graduates to keep this vision in mind as a guide once they join the workforce.
“I urge you to rise to the challenge, be innovative and don’t be afraid if you fail,” Ambassador Bole said.
Studying commercial agriculture
As part of the Government’s aim to push school leavers to venture into the lucrative areas of farming, the Fiji National University bounced into action and built up a specific course which allows students to study commercial agriculture.
The course is for 12 months and allows students to gain a Certificate III in this particular subject area.
Fiji National University Chancellor and Minister for Education, Ambassador Filipe Bole.