The Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu is calling on the farmers of Nakorotubu district to treat farming as a business.

He made the comments at the opening of the Namarai Agriculture Station in Namarai, Nakorotubu, Ra.

“This new Agriculture Station and Staff Quarter’s is part of the government initiative to bring the service delivery closer,” Mr. Seruiratu said.

Mr. Seruiratu also urged the farmers in Nakorotubu to work closely with the agricultural officer who would provide assistance as well as technical advice.

“Government is now using the integrated approach in terms of development especially in the rural areas,”he said.

“During Tropical cyclone Winston, most of the coconut trees were destroyed on the coastal of Nakorotubu.

“The Ministry of Agriculture will provide you with seedlings, it’s your responsibility to plant them.”

The new Agriculture Station will facilitate 15 villages in the Tikina Nakorotubu, Navitilevu, Kavula and Bureiwai with a total population of 4,234.