The Department of Agriculture will provide short-term training In floriculture and vegetable farming to women groups.
The commitment was made by the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Mr Mason Smith during his recent visit to the Soqosoqo Vakamarama complex in Nabua.
“I wish to assure the association that the agriculture ministry will support you as it is working towards promoting agricultural products locally and reduce import bills,” Mr Smith said.
“The emphasis on agro based products will lift the importance of agriculture to another level.”
The Soqosoqo Vakamarama aims to also invest in agriculture by utilising agricultural commodities such as coconuts to manufacture agro based products and sell it locally. Association president Adi Finau Tabukaucoro said they have manufactured soap with coconut as its ingredient; very popular among consumers for its long lasting fragrance.
“The agriculture ministry will move the coconut industry forward and also support the industry that utilises local products,” Mr Smith said.
Adi Finau said the group has plans to venture into floriculture and vegetable farming in future and requested assistance from the agriculture ministry in terms of training.
Adi Finau: “The members are encouraged to take on broad ideas of utilising their available land to grow something for their families.”
The group intends to utilise all their land to build a permanent multipurpose hall, where they can have the floriculture and agriculture show together with other activities for women in Fiji.