Government through the Ministry of Agriculture fully supports Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute’s (NATI) core objective to train young farmers to grow the agriculture sector in Fiji.

These were the remarks by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu when officiating at the Centennial celebrations for the school today.

“I am not just here as a chief guest for the centennial celebration, but to encourage you all to pursue the excellence that we all know this place is capable of,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“We should all agree that it is simply not acceptable for Fiji to continue to import foodstuffs that could easily be grown locally. This issue can be addressed if we make a determined and concerted effort to work together to give our young people the right training to expand our food production.”

“We must give more Fijians the opportunity to enter the agricultural sector by equipping them with the best possible skills and training. We must offer them the prospect of growing healthy and nutritious food for themselves, their families, and through that, the wider community. And we must all focus our minds on reducing our dependency on food imports and make Fiji more sustainable in food production,” added Hon. Rayalu.

"The government is offering a range of incentives, similar to those provided by institutions like Navuso, to encourage more young Fijians to enter farming. Additionally, we are committed to assisting Navuso in expanding these efforts."

Hon. Rayalu encouraged current students to take advantage of the education revolution that the Coalition Government has provided and seize the opportunities.

“Work as hard as you can, dream big dreams as anything is possible. But also be aware that by wanting to be a farmer, our Government regards you as one of the most important development partners we have in improving the lives of our people and in developing our economy.”

“When I say dream big dreams, it is no longer enough just to tend to your own plot, your own teitei, to grow crops or rear animals for your own needs and the needs of your community. We need to move Fiji in the direction of larger-scale food production. And that means acquiring new skills as you progress with your studies.”

Hon. Rayalu added that students need to learn not only how to grow crops and rear animals, but how to move into commercial agriculture.

General Secretary of the Methodist of Church of Fiji, Reverend Dr. Jolami Lasawa said that the Centennial celebrations for NATI marks another milestone of the collective efforts to empower youths from underprivileged backgrounds as well as school dropouts to transition successfully into the institution and become more economically active in agriculture and become champions back in their communities.

“The Methodist Church in Fiji sincerely acknowledges this Government’s intervention, which no doubt will positively impact our young farmers who are trained in Navuso,” said Rev. Lasawa.

Also in attendance at the celebrations was the Turaga na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata as well as former teachers, students and families of the school.

Hon. Rayalu, along with invited guests, unveiled the Centennial plaque today and also officiated at the ground breaking ceremony for the new office building. This new structure will be built at the exact site of the old office building, which was tragically destroyed by fire in April of this year.

ENDS

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