Government recently presented a farming digger and tractor jointly worth $456,650 to Navuso Agriculture School in a bid to assist in reviving the school’s farm.
The digger was worth $357,000 and the tractor with all its implements was worth $99,650.
Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, speaking at the handing over ceremony stressed agricultural development is an area Government believes will boost the nation’s economic position.
He reminded guests at the event that Government provides assistance in the hope this will provide some investment returns.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu also urged the students of Navuso Agriculture School to assist the school in implementing plans for agricultural developments.
School gives assurance
Meanwhile, Reverend MalakaiTuikadavu, from the school said that Navuso will develop to its full potential in the years to come.
He remembered the Prime Minister’s visit to the school earlier in the year where Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had announced Government’s will to help revive agricultural activities at Navuso.
“Today, the promise had been fulfilled and now the digger and tractor will be used to avail more farm land for commercial farming,” he said.
“The mission of thriving smoothly and promoting farming as a business with the commercial operation of all existing and potential farming enterprises, the school will continue to mould young people to be better farmers.”
Young challenge
ReverendTuikadavu stated abig problem in our country was that young people do not want to venture into farming.
Navuso Agriculture School has been one of the pillars of strength in the past in molding some of the top agriculturalists in the country.
“Currently, there are 65 youth enrolled in Navuso pursuing their certificate in Agriculture to be better farmers,” ReverendTuikadavusaid.
The school
During the three-year course, students are trained on various aspects of agriculture including animal production, farm mechanisation and management, crop production, and religious education.
NavusoAgriculture School consists of a total of 630 hectares of freehold and Crown land which is owned by the Methodist Church of Fiji.
“Since its re-establishment the past year, developments in Navuso are visible,” ReverendTuikadavusaid.
“Presently, there are about 210,000 dalo plants, four acres of ginger, 7000 mounds of yam and about 780 banana plants.
“There are about 70 milking cows and more than 100 pigs raised at the farm.”
– MINFO NEWS
Minister for Agriculture Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu (left) handing over the keys to the tractor and digger to Reverend Malakai Tuikadavu at Navuso Agriculture School. Photo: MINFO NEWS