Two rural schools including a hostel in Macuata province will now be able to overcome changing weather patterns affecting their backyard gardens.

The Nadogo Central College and Navoalevu Primary School received nursery assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday.

The schools are built beside each other on land belonging to popular former Labasa soccer player, Solomone Catorogo.

“The school has a student roll of 429 of which 46 are boarders,” Nadogo Central College principal Mohammed Khan said.

“Last year we experienced varying weather patterns like too much rain and vegetables we planted did not grow well.

“In Nadogo it is difficult to find vegetables such as cabbage, egg plant and root crops like dalo in regular supply.

“Sometimes we are only able to provide rourou (dalo leaf)  to hostel students once every two weeks.

“Now that we have received the nursery materials, with the help of the ministry and school committee we will manage it and plant a lot of vegetables.

“We will plant in such a way that we can sustain it and provide for the hostel students and if need be help the community with seedling supply.”

Assistant Minister for Agriculture Viam Pillay said he has seen many schools and committees benefiting through the nursery projects.

“The ministry will be providing a water tank and trays to do planting to the schools,” Mr Pillay said.

“Apart from whatever they plant they can sell it for example, a tray of chilli costing about $10 for 50 plants.

“I know students come from a farming background and I hope they will have the interest.”

While speaking to students, Mr Pillay assured them the Ministry of Agriculture would continue to assist those farmers who needed help

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj