Members of the Dakshina India Andhra Sangam (DIAS) of Fiji have been urged to teach children more about farming.

Assistant Minister for Rural Development, Waterways and Environment Viam Pillay gave the encouragement when opening the DIAS of Fiji annual convention on Friday at Xavier College.

He said during the early days most indentured laborers were involved in agricultural activities and Mr Pillay thanked those, at the opening, who were involved in agriculture.

“I encourage you to continue working hard to provide food for all,” Mr Pillay said.

“Young people of today need to be taught that agriculture through farming can be a source of income, livelihood and as a stable source of food security.”

He reminded the members that agriculture would be the backbone of the Fijian economy as it had been in the past because it played a pivotal role in the development, growth and stability of our nation.

Around 7.9 per cent to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product comes from agriculture which employs around 70 per cent of the workforce.

He said there were a total of 65,033 farmers mostly based in rural areas.

“Let me encourage, especially the young people to seriously look at farming as a business and to take it up as a career,” the Assistant Minister said.

“There are numerous programmes implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture that you can access to help you become a full commercial farmer.”

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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