Forty-two technical officers from the Central and Eastern Divisions recently completed two weeks of training which equipped them with knowledge on how to serve farmers better in the localities that they serve.

The training which ended on Friday 14th June, highlighted the importance of reviving farm management, enhancing knowledge on land use classification and capabilities, farming as a business and financial literacy.

The Ministry's Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Development, Dr Tekini Nakidakida urged officers to practice what they have learnt during the two weeks training.

“What you have learned in the past two weeks will assist you in your service in your respective localities and the execution of better farm plans for farmers,” he said.

“As extension and livestock officers, you have to ensure that messaging and approach to farmers have to be right and always give solutions with the challenges that they face,” said Dr. Nakidakida.

“You have to do your analysis from your localities, identify the weaknesses, and also find the solutions. Be sure to know your farmers and visit them continuously for advice and monitoring purposes."

“Identify idle land in your localities, and put it into good use. We are working towards helping Fijians to thrive and grow, to earn money and make use of their land hence we must show them and lead the path to achieve that and increase the wealth of our nation from resources around us,” he said.

Namena and Dawasamu Livestock locality officer in Tailevu, Samisoni Ledua Cama looks after two districts, 17 villages, and eight settlements.

He thanked the Ministry management team for giving him the opportunity to be part of the refresher course.

"The two weeks of training has been a huge boost where we are now better equipped with more information on the basic principles and approaches of Extension work."

“I believe most staff joining the Ministry have been doing what they have seen or what has been practiced by senior staff. I must thank the organizers mainly the Land Resources and Planning Division for such a great learning opportunity,” he said.

Agriculture Assistant (Crop) for Naitasiri, Anmol Maharaj said the training has given him ideas with regards to drawing up farm plans for his farmers in Baulevu and Muaniweni with the aim of increasing their production level.

The in-house refresher training of 42 graduates are Crop and Livestock Officers from various Central and Eastern Division stations.

The two weeks Training of Trainers training was executed earlier in the year to the crop and livestock officers of the Northern Division and will also be carried out in the Western Division next month.

-ENDS-

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