The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, in collaboration with Live and Learn, organized a one-day training yesterday for Bilo Settlement on the importance of soil fertility management and conservation.

Community members were also educated about the benefits of bacterial culture for the soil and the importance of soil testing.

Speaking to the 25 participants, Live and Learn Director, Ms. Doris Susan, said that the training is important to enhance their knowledge and to help improve their livelihoods.

"You need to maintain the fertility of your soil and make use of the small piece of land that you have in order to plant fresh fruits and vegetables to improve nutritious and healthy diets for your families," said Ms. Susan.

She went on to say that while moving towards mechanization, members should not forget what their elders practiced to maintain the fertility of the land so that future generations also benefit from it.

She also acknowledged the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia for their support and contribution to Fiji’s communities through the Atoll Food Future Project.

Also speaking at the one day event, Mr. Amena Banuve, the Director of Land Resources and Planning Division for the ministry, emphasized the importance of food security and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Mr. Banuve also stressed the need for families to ensure that they have access to nutritious and healthy food three meals a day, as it is a priority of the government.

“Your government and donor partners has conducted many trainings and given assistance and now the onus is on you to take ownership of it and increase your farming activities,” advised Mr. Banuve.

He also handed over two Rotavators with the first one being given to Sitiveni Naicori of Waiqanake village and the other to the community of Bilo village.

Mr. Naicori, while receiving the assistance, expressed his appreciation to the government and Live and Learn with its partners.

"Today's training was very educational, especially on the importance of planning. I am grateful and committed to increasing my yield and achieving more in my farming career."

“I have been planting dalo, plantain or vudi, banana’s and assorted vegetables which is mostly sold in the settlement. When there is a surplus in supply, then I transport them to the Suva Market,” smiled Mr. Naicori.

“This assistance has increased my hopes in doing better to expand my farming venture,” he smiled.

Mr. Naicori hopes to set an example to youths living in the settlements in the greater Suva and Nausori corridor that anything is possible if the mind is set on achieving.

ENDS

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