Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Ropate Ligairi (left) and Lautoka special administrator, Praveen Bala Photo:LITIA MATHEWSELL
By LITIA MATHEWSELL
The Ministry for Agriculture yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lautoka City Council for the 2013 Crest Agriculture Show to be staged in the Sugar City again.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary Ropate Ligairi said the demand from the Western Division’s farming community and support of their major sponsors swayed their decision to give Lautoka the green light.
This was despite the big demand for the show to be returned to Suva.
Agriculture Minister Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Goodman Fielder (Fiji) for their naming rights, with sponsorship valued at $45,000.
Additionally, Government is contributing $150,000 for the annual fete, with the Lautoka City Council supplying $30,000 in terms of venue, facilities and amenities.
Lautoka special administrator Praveen Bala said hosting last year’s show was an eye-opener for many in the West.
He said it highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector and the opportunities it offers in terms of employment and starting a business.
The show this year has been scheduled from September 3 to 7 at Churchill Park.
Mr Ligairi said the show’s theme of ‘Agriculture for Fiji’s Health and Wealth’ would also serve to remind people of maintaining a balance of a healthy and wealthy environment, soil, marine life, fauna and flora.
The four day fiesta will deliberately coincide with the Commonwealth Veterinary Association Conference in Nadi, with a host of mini agriculture shows to be held around the country in the lead up to the event.