In continuing with our week-long Civil Service celebrations, today we highlight the story of Mr. Dharmendra, a 48-year-old staff of the Land Resource Planning Division (LRPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

The Land Resource Planning Division is an important division within the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and their role is to ensure that whilst the nation achieves high economic growth in agriculture, sustainability of land resources is to be strengthened and maintained.

Whilst they work with farmers on making more land available for productive and social purposes they also ensure that they are promoting climate smart agriculture.

Staff of the division are based in Lautoka, Labasa, Koronivia and the Ministry Headquarters in Raiwaqa.

Mr. Dharmendra is one of the five staff members based in Labasa and he joined way back in 1997 as a casual labourer in the Pineapple Project at the Sigatoka Research Station.

“In 1998, I moved to the station here in Vanua Levu to also look after the Pineapple Project. From 2005 to date, I joined the LRPD Division as a Field Assistant officer and look after the three Provinces in Vanua Levu,” he smiled proudly.

“I assist my team in the work that needs to be done and work around the clock to ensure that farmers are advised well and their farms monitored every now and then.”

Dharmendra says that the Division has over the years, developed best Sustainable Land Management practices through research based activities in collaboration with internal external divisions.

“We work to develop sloping land technology and agroforestry for both crops and livestock development and also provide quality and timely advice to the management and our partners on optimum land utilization techniques.”

He adds that they continue to conduct awareness sessions through farmer trainings on promoting farming as a business and as a rewarding form of employment.

“We have capacity building in areas of farm business planning and farm business advisory services to enable the sector to stay competitive and remain sustainable. As staff we often have in house staff training and skills development on Farm Planning, Sustainable Land Management & Climate Smart Agriculture,” added Mr. Dharmendra.

“I am grateful to the Ministry for Agriculture and Waterways for instilling in me values of public service and supporting me throughout my career. It has been a wonderful journey for me throughout my 27 years of service in the Ministry,” he smiled.

“My work has enabled me to meet new people, build networks and create bonds that will last a lifetime. I am grateful to be working as a civil servant and will continue to develop my skills and knowledge to benefit farmers in Vanua Levu,” added Mr. Dharmendra.

Mr. Dharmendra wishes all civil servants around the country a happy and meaningful Civil Service Week.

ENDS

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