Fiji has a lot of potential to develop its primary industries to make our country self-sufficient and increasing volume, quantity, quality and mix of our export products.
These were the comments made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu while opening the Fiji National University Farm in Navua yesterday.
The Fiji National University complements Government’s efforts to improve the performance of the resource-based sectors with its five colleges including the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said the development of agriculture, fisheries and forestry is an important priority of the Fijian Government.
“Above all, there is a huge gap in the need to develop our human capital,” he said.
Taking the uni forward
University Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said it was a great moment as they take the University forward which the Government has required them to do since its establishment.
Dr Chand said over a period of time, they felt that agriculture has lost its sense, thus they had to take the initiative to play a lead role in establishing this as an industry.
They achieved this by having such a college that can aspire students and also cater for their relevant training needs.
“Today we are proud to say that we have more than 800 students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests of the University,” he said.
The UniFarm is made up of a piece of land with more than 200 acres. It’s diversified with potential to be developed further.
A model farm
The Fiji National University, together with relevant stakeholders, is working to develop it into a model training farm equipped with modern technologies and husbandry practices.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said the university must produce young people who are ready to become practical and innovative entrepreneurs.
“It is our hope that UniFarm will nurture the people that this country needs, to be such leaders,” he said.
“The development of our country is everyone’s business.
“That is why the Government will continue to support the Sustainable Livelihood Project of the university for up-skilling and improving rural people’s capacities to become more self-sufficient.”
– MINFO NEWS
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu (left) and Fiji National University Vice Chancellor, Dr Ganesh Chand take a tour around the university’s UniFarm which opened in Navua yesterday. Photo: MINFO NEWS