Front left: Agriculture officer Susana Yalikanacea, Minister for Agriculture Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, Deputy Secretary Agriculture Development Uraia Waibuta, and Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Jonisio Mara with the graduates of the Virgin Coconut Oil and Value Added training after the formal graduation ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters yesterday. Photo: Ministry of Agriculture
By MARAIA VULA
Government feels there is a need to follow through on how the knowledge gained by participants during training is being applied.
The Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, stressed this during the Virgin Coconut Oil and Value Added Products Training graduation ceremony yesterday.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Raiwaqa.
Ten farmers from around the country graduated.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said whilst he was thankful for the training conducted at the Wholenut Processing Plant in Taveuni, at the same time he was interested in what happens after the training finishes.
He asked: “Have they been given the equipment to apply what they have learnt.
“If they are not given the equipment, then that is two months of waste of tax payers money.
“If they are into Virgin Coconut Oil and if their product cannot meet the expectations of the market, then we are still not there. That is the whole value chain that we are talking about.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said they want to follow up on those who have been trained to ensure that there is return on investment.
“We will continue to invest in you and provide you with the equipment that you need and we hope that you will be producing as well,” he said.
Development, participation
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu further highlighted they understand that Government has a role to play and assured that they will continue to do that.
“But development is about working together in partnership. We are determined to do things well and do it right,” he said.
“Government can provide the best technology and all the funds, all the equipment that you need, bring in all the technical expertise.
“But if we have the wrong attitude, if we do not co-operate with Government, then development will never take place.
“That has been the trend unfortunately over the past few years.”
Reforms in coconut industry
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu stressed that Government has seen the need to have a reform within the coconut industry.
“This is simply because we need to be competitive and economically-viable. There has been a reform in place in the coconut industry,” he said.
“There are lots of opportunities in coconut. We are doing our best to promote standards and fully-equip those that have attended trainings as well.”
Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Value Added Products Training graduates
r Elena Tuiseka originally from Nasinu village, Navatu, Cakaudrove
r Miliakere Nailavolevu Biaukula originally from Nasau village, Koro, Lomaiviti group
r Josateki Temo originally from Tovu village, Totoya, Lau
r Mesake Nawaitauvou from Navotua village, Nacula Yasawa island
r Asesela Tagicaki Serevi originally from Nukuni, Ono I Lau, Lau
r Epeli Draunidalo originally from Tarukua, Cicia, Lau
r Sevuloni Ratumaiyale from Nukui in Rewa
r Viliame Vuinabuna originally from Naduru, Dogotuki , Macuata
r Karolina Tikomainiusawa originally from Nananu, Tailevu
r Kalesi Domolailai originally from Nanukuloa, Saivou, Ra