Ten pioneering students graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF).

The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Mahendra Reddy recognised them during the Fiji National University (FNU), CAFF and the National Productivity Centre graduation ceremony at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.

Mr Reddy said the ceremony witnessed the first lot of veterinary students graduating after completing more than five years of study.

“This is a milestone achievement and will go a long way in improving the livestock sector in the country,” he said.

He said this would also assist in upgrading and providing regular upskilling to our para vets, which would be a cost-effective way of providing veterinary service to our farmers in the Agriculture Ministry, which were spread across the country.

“Our animal health and husbandry extension officers can be upskilled and we will not have to hunt for qualified veterinarians from foreign countries,” Mr Reddy said.

He said the graduates could now be utilised for consultation and provide service to individuals farmers, groups or corporations and Government establishments on all aspects of livestock production and assist us in border control biosecurity matters.

“At the moment, we are actively pursuing the eradication of TB and Brucellosis amongst our beef and dairy cattle and this will provide much needed support to further curve the spread of these diseases,” he said.

Outgoing FNU Vice-Chancellor Nigel Healey highlighted that the CAFF had evolved from training for fieldwork to policy formulation and leadership of the workforce in the field.

Mr Healey said while the university remained focused on primary industries, it also trains more students to become leaders in their field.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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