Picture: Youths from Central and Eastern Division planting dalo

Securing the nation’s food security now and for the future requires the engagement of our youth. 

This was shared to youth during the recent International Youth Day celebrations at Nausori Village with youth engagement and development remaining a key priority of the Fijian Government. 

In aligning with this year’s theme “Youth Engagement for Global Action” and the sub-theme of the Central/Eastern Division celebrations - “Food Security”, the Ministry of Agriculture provided hands-on training on best agriculture practices to attending youths.

Additionally, the Ministry provided planting materials of resilient crops to youth groups during the celebration as part of its contributions.

“The Ministry provided 500 cassava cuttings, 500 dalo toppings and dried vegetable seedlings which will assist the youths engage more effectively in socio-economic activities that will develop their potential,” said Senior Agriculture Officer Naitasiri Mr. Apenisa Rarasea.

“As for the planting materials, our officers will be with the youths and youth groups and be part of the hands-on training and will be distributed amongst the youth groups.”

Participating youth Manasa Cakaunitabua said he was grateful that youth were remembered as engines of change around the globe.

“In recognizing the potential of youth, that we can create impactful and productive decisions for our livelihoods despite the numerous challenges we are facing today, for that I would like to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.

“Learning to plant for food security is a bonus as we have resources that we can make use of and to develop what we are capable of to realize our true value as young people of Fiji,” said Manasa.

Meanwhile, the youths of the Central/ Eastern division were encouraged to take an organized approach considering the impacts of the current pandemic in terms of food security.

This was the message shared by Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Parveen Bala while officiating at the celebrations. 

“For the Fijian Government, not only the engagement but the development of our youth has been a priority.

“Fiji is experiencing the effects of climate change, including worsening coastal erosion and floods, this sure has the impact on food security, unless action is taken climate change will drastically affect our food security,” he said.

“Therefore the event will provide the much needed awareness to ensure we develop youths who are knowledgeable, proactive and resilient to the undeniably unprecedented changes that we are experiencing.”

“Be the positive role models while being active and responsible citizens in taking care of yourselves, your families and also giving back to your communities for a food secure Fiji,” said Minister Bala.

-Ends-

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