For the first time in a very long time, the Fiji Government has decided to dedicate a whole week in honouring the hardworking and passionate civil servants of Fiji.

This week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will also be highlighting the work carried out in the four divisions of Fiji and the significant roles that the staff play in the communities that they serve.

Temalesi Amuna Naikalawelawe, 42, joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways back in 2006.

She started off as a Fieldman for Tikina of Navovo and also served the farmers in the Tikina of Malolo, Vatulele, Cuvu, and part of Nokonoko. She also looked after farmers in a few settlements around the areas that she served in.

“When I joined I was firstly amazed at the different farms that I visited. It was always a learning experience for me seeing the various crops planted and the methods used by the farmers,” explained Ms. Naikalawelawe.

“I have so much respect for farmers because of the hard labour that they endure to enable families to have well-nourished and balanced meals. It is a job that they do and seeing them endure through so much, makes me proud to be working alongside them and assisting them through advice and monitoring visits to see their progress,” she smiled.

“I often rode horses to reach the farmers and eventually I was provided with my very own transport so that I was able to visit farmers frequently,” explained Ms. Naikalawelawe.

She served with humility and passion and made it a point to serve with gratitude.

“I would schedule my visit to the farms on a daily basis and if any training was conducted for farmers, I would ensure that my farmers will be included so that they too can benefit and expand their knowledge on farming.”

She said that there were good days and even some bad days but she did not lose hope and kept on serving the farmers with passion.

“I am so grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the opportunity to work alongside hardworking and experienced officers and I learn new things every day,” she smiled.

Her hard work and perseverance did not go unnoticed as she was finally given a new position at the start of this year.

“I am now an Agriculture Assistant and I now look after exporters in Sigatoka,” she smiled proudly.

“I thank the Ministry for believing in me and allowing me to grow over the years. Now with the new position, I look after 200 plus farmers who are exporters and my job is to ensure that they meet all requirements needed to export their crops and vegetables.”

“It’s a Monday to Monday job and I love it!”

“I visit the farmers during registration which is Tuesdays and Thursdays and harvesting season is always a busy period because I also have to be there with the farmers to monitor and inspect their harvesting and packaging processes,” explained Ms. Naikalawelawe.

“It has been an exciting journey throughout my career in the Ministry and I would not have it any other way,” she proudly said.

“I would like to encourage fellow extension officers in the Ministry to never give up and to always serve our stakeholders with passion and pride.”

“We serve in an important Ministry with the primary role of helping Fijians to become food secure. Let us continue to work hard and help our farmers in growing agriculture to sustain us for years to come.”

ENDS

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