Graduates were reminded that they needed to be inclusive in modernising Fiji’s agricultural sector, that is, a sector led by growth and development.

This were the sentiments shared by the Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, NDMO Inia Seruiratu while speaking to graduates at Paravet Graduation Ceremony at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva on Wednesday.

Mr Seruiratu stressed to the 31 graduates that to have sustainable development within the agricultural sector we need to invest in capacity building within the ministry.

“I always argue, that we can have the best resources, technology and best equipment and if we have the wrong people in the organisation we are not going to achieve our goals and we are not going to achieve much,” Minister Seruiratu said.

“We need to cultivate in our people the ministry has invested a lot in this 16-week training and upskilling of Paravet officers, with the online and practical aspects to the course.”

He said that capacity building was so critical and to realise the potential the agriculture has in Fiji the working with the stakeholders is the only solution.

The 16-week training was facilitated by the Fiji National University, the Pacific Community (SPC) and other stakeholders.

Acting Director Animal Health and Production Anil Dayal says this Paravet graduates will be able to diagnose disease or do the work of veterinary.

Mr Dayal adds with their services provided to our farmers can lead to increased animal production through improved animal health plus a reduction in the risks associated with the introduction and spread of diseases of animal and public health significance.

The introductory Paravet training covers all aspects of animal health, animal production, zoonosis and biosecurity.