Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu has emphasized the crucial need to equip young individuals with the skills necessary for a thriving future in the agricultural sector, which is vital for enhancing the nation’s food production capabilities. During the centennial celebration of the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute (NATI) in Naitasiri, Rayalu addressed the historical tensions between the government and the Methodist Church, which oversees NATI, and how these differences have previously impeded the institute’s operations and affected food production in Fiji.
Rayalu pointed out that reliance on food imports is untenable when local cultivation is feasible. “It is simply not acceptable for Fiji to continue to import foodstuff that could easily be grown locally,” he stated. He stressed that this challenge could be overcome through collaborative efforts aimed at providing proper training for youth, thus expanding domestic food production.
The minister advocated for greater access to educational opportunities in agriculture, highlighting that institutions like NATI have been proactive in offering various scholarships and incentives to entice young people into farming. He acknowledged past failures in farming businesses often stemmed from inadequate standards and urged individuals to leverage government initiatives to enhance their agricultural knowledge and skills.
Rayalu expressed optimism that fostering the growth of successful trainee farmers would attract potential investors willing to support local agricultural operations financially. This vision for a stronger agricultural sector not only hopes to decrease dependency on imports but also aims to empower the future generation of farmers.
In summary, the article underscores the government’s commitment to empowering youth through education in agriculture, enhancing local food production to reduce imports, and fostering a supportive environment for future farmers. This initiative represents a positive step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency and resilience in Fiji’s agricultural practices.
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