The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has successfully wrapped up the floriculture training program for the Nadroga and Navosa regions, held last week at My Nursery in Olosara, Sigatoka. This initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices while empowering women in the sector—an integral move towards achieving economic development and gender equality.
Funded by the Ministry, the two-day program was led by experienced floriculture professionals Moreen Sainaz Khan and Emili Uluimalolo. A total of 27 farmers participated, including 25 women and two men, all keen to expand their expertise in floriculture.
Ilisoni Banuve, Senior Agriculture Officer for Nadroga and Navosa, emphasized the significance of empowering women through such training initiatives. He remarked, “By providing the necessary skills and knowledge, we aim to empower more individuals through innovation, economic independence, and leadership.” This program is designed to boost participants’ confidence in floriculture, which will in turn aid in the financial stability of their families.
The training covered several essential topics, including nursery management, cultivation techniques for anthuriums and orchids, hands-on flower raising, flower arrangement techniques, and strategies for adding value to floriculture products. Banuve encouraged the attendees to effectively utilize the available land and leverage government assistance programs to stimulate economic growth in their communities.
This training is consistent with other programs aimed at elevating women’s roles in agriculture and improving agricultural practices. The increasing acknowledgment of women’s contributions to this field promises a more balanced and robust economy, signaling a commitment to fostering community resilience and sustainability.
With ongoing support for women’s participation in agriculture, the future holds a positive outlook for enhanced economic independence and community progress through innovative farming methods. This reinforces the notion that investing in agricultural education is a crucial step toward community empowerment and growth.
Leave a comment