“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.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests Mr Inia Seruiratu said these words while opening the Fiji National University Farm in Navua today.
In line with the Government’s efforts to improve the performance of the resource based sectors, the University complements these efforts with its five colleges including the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests.
“The development of agriculture, fisheries and forestry is an important priority of the Fiji Government. Above all, there is a huge gap in the need to develop our human capital and these are clearly spelt out in Pillars 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress,” he said.
University Chand Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh said it is a great moment as they take the University forward in which the Government has required them to do since its establishment.
Dr Ganesh 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 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.
The University together with relevant stakeholders are working together to develop it into a model training farm equipped with modern technologies and husbandry practices.
Minister 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. He added that “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 skilling and improving rural people’s capacities to become more self-sufficient,” he said.
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