The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing school-based agriculture with the official handover of a brand-new tractor to Saint Johns College in Levuka.

The handover, officiated by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Inosi Kuridrani marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s broader initiative to support boarding schools in strengthening food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and agricultural education.

Saint Johns College, a Catholic mission school established in 1894, has long been recognized for its proud legacy of agricultural excellence.

Once home to a thriving farm that included a dairy unit, piggery, apiary, and vegetable gardens, the school served as a model of sustainability and hands-on learning for generations of students.

However, the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, coupled with policy changes restricting student labour, led to the decline of its once-vibrant agricultural program.

In his address, Hon. Kuridrani paid tribute to the school’s rich history and praised its leadership for taking bold steps to restore its agricultural foundation.

“This tractor is a symbol of renewed commitment to sustainable farming, youth empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture,” he said.

“With this support, Saint John’s College has the means to reclaim its place as a beacon of school-based agriculture in Fiji.”

The tractor, provided under the Ministry’s farming assistance initiative, is expected to significantly enhance the school’s capacity to prepare land, cultivate crops, and manage farm operations efficiently.

“The tractor will boost productivity and ease labour for students and staff, enhance crop diversity and food supply for both hostels, and strengthen climate resilience through timely planting and improved soil management.”

The Ministry’s support aligns with its 2024 Commercial Agriculture Development Program, which also includes the provision of dairy cattle, fencing materials, and land preparation to help the school revive its dairy farm.

This initiative aims to reduce reliance on costly commercial milk and provide fresh, nutritious dairy products to hostel students.

Hon. Kuridrani emphasized that the Ministry’s role goes beyond equipment provision.

“We are committed to working alongside schools to build living classrooms, spaces where students can learn practical skills, contribute to their communities, and become future leaders in agriculture,” he said.

He also acknowledged the school’s resilience, noting that in the past, Saint Johns College managed to produce surplus food without modern tools, trained teachers, or advanced technologies.

Today, with access to mechanization, qualified staff, and a curriculum that includes Agricultural Science, the school is well-positioned to thrive.

Hon. Kuridrani emphasized the importance of inclusive education and practical learning.

“While many students will go on to excel academically, not every young person will follow the same path and that is perfectly okay, Agriculture offers a meaningful opportunity,” he said.

Principal Saukuru Alosio stated that the school believes in shaping values early.

“We believe we can better influence the larger population in terms of upskilling, character development, healthy living habits, and self-reliance if we begin from a very young age and nurture that habit,” he said.

“That is why we at Saint John’s College are reverting to agriculture enterprising as a platform to carry out activities and we re-introducing the basic life skill program,” Mr. Alosio said.

“The school is truly grateful for the tractor, which will help us bring that vision to life and restore the legacy of our school farm.”

The Ministry’s farming assistance initiative continues to support boarding schools across Fiji by providing essential tools, seedlings, and technical guidance through its Extension Services.

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