Tutu Rural Training Centre in Taveuni reached another milestone this week, as their new state of the art nursery was commissioned by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna on Thursday 21st March.

“The opening of this nursery was only made possible through collaboration between British American Tobacco (BAT) and Tutu Rural Training centre. The nursery will provide fruits and vegetable seedlings to around 100 farmers based here in the Garden Island of Taveuni,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

“Tutu Rural Training Centre is a great example of perseverance and dedication and has achieved so much over the years. We appreciate the model that you have been practicing here at the centre and believe that you are on the right track by encouraging and engaging with students and their families in agricultural programs that will sustain them well into the future,” he added.

“On behalf of the Government, I humbly thank BAT, and convey our deepest appreciation for their continuous support to farmers through their agricultural operations, which for the last 69 years, has operated as a model agriculture business in Fiji showing the immense potential of the sector,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

“On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to thank you sincerely for your support and assistance as we cannot do this alone. Organisations like Tutu, complements the effort being put in by Government as a whole.”

“The Ministry is confident that the construction of this nursery in Tutu marks the beginning of further opportunities for our remote farmers. The seedlings that will be provided from the nursery will allow farmers to grow more fruits and vegetables.”

“BAT Fiji has been training rural farmers on seed germination and proper care of seedlings. Knowledge transfer is important as this will greatly assist farmers,” added Hon. Tunabuna.

Hon. Tunabuna further added that the initiative by BAT Fiji allows the Ministry to expand its reach to remote areas through its Grow+ Project,” he reiterated.

BAT Head of Finance, Mr Rahul Prakash thanked Hon Tunabuna for officiating at the opening of the Tutu Nursery and said that it adds significance to the event and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the private sector and government in fostering sustainable development for rural dwellers.

“The nursery that we are opening today stands as a testament to BAT Fiji's commitment to making a positive impact on the environment for the communities in which we operate. Our belief in sustainability goes beyond boundaries,” he added.

The state of the art nursery consists of a water tank and pressure pump with an automated irrigation system that will water vegetable seedlings and will have the capacity to grow 6,000 vegetable seedlings every 6 weeks or 60,000 seedlings every year.

-ENDS-

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