Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu unveils the plaque which will be set in stone to mark the opening of Awesome Chicks Supplies farm in Tavarau, Ba. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN
By LITIA MATHEWSELL
Awesome Chicks Supplies has been hailed for its exemplary work in utilising land and opening economic opportunities in Tavarau, Ba.
The Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, officiated the ground breaking ceremony of Awesome Chicks Supplies’ breeder farm on Thursday.
He urged others to boldly follow suit by investing in fields of their interest and involvement.
The company is owned by Christine and Rai Prakash, who have invested close to $750,000 in this venture along with almost two decades of expertise in this area.
The couple are permitted to set up five sheds but plan to begin with two as construction gets underway in a month.
Mr Prakash said they plan to have 2000 breeders per shed and are importing the first batch of 2000 chicks from New Zealand.
His business plans have received assistance from the Fiji Development Bank and the Government and he hopes to begin operations by next year, employing over 20 people.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said the provision of such economic opportunities was a shared responsibility between Government and the community.
He stressed that such a venture gave them confidence of their programmes being well utilised.
‘’Govern ment can bring the best of technology, funding and available information but people need the willingness and attitude to expand or it will be an exercise in vain,’’ he said.