Students in the West parade during the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 during the official opening in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By LITIA MATHEWSELL
School students have been urged to take advantage of the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 by exploring the extensive career paths in this vital sector.
The annual fete was officially opened at Lautoka’s Churchill Park yesterday by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji Hwang Yong.
He alluded to continual efforts between China and Fiji for the development of agricultural here.
Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonial Inia Seruiratu said a key objective of the annual event was to advocate agriculture as a viable career opportunity.
“The show is to also advocate the role agriculture plays in terms of food security, income generation, poverty alleviation, import substitution, export promotion and economic growth,” he said.
School students flocked into Churchill Park for the opening ceremony and for a tour of the assorted poultry, greenhouse, timber, fishing and other agriculture-related stalls on display.
Lieutenant-Colonial Seruiratu said there were numerous opportunities for viewers to learn new skills, techniques, technology and innovations, as well as be updated and exposed to the latest developments in research, science and technology.
The annual event is into its fourth year and is again being staged in Lautoka.
This, Lieutenant-Colonial Seruiratu said was also a reflection of the sector’s growing development in the Western division, particularly in dairy production.
This year’s Show is themed Agriculture for Fiji’s Health and Wealth and will continue will this Saturday.