North Horticulture Association promotes gardening, self-sufficiency

People were encouraged to embrace a planting culture at the start of Arbor Week at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.

Northern Horticulture Association president Hemant Rao said planting vegetables, root crops, flowers, fruit trees and potted plants helped people become more responsible and disciplined, reduced stress and provided an additional source of income.

“The association has been in existence for seven years and this is the second year in a row that members have come together to organise Arbor Week in Labasa,” Mr Rao said.

“Some of our members are retired civil servants who have invested in horticulture as a source of income and a hobby.”

Northern Horticulture Association president Hemant Rao during Arbor week at Subrail Park in Labasa on June 11, 2026.

Photo: Shratika Naidu

The four-day event supports the association’s 47 members by providing a platform to sell and market their produce.

“Planting provides financial security, especially considering the current economic challenges many families are facing,” he said.

“I strongly believe we should teach our children to plant so they can become plant parents and learn responsibility by caring for their plants through watering and fertilising them.

“Eventually, they will take ownership and may become less aggressive when faced with social challenges.

“I learned this from my mother, who is my inspiration,” Mr Rao said.

“Once we invest our time in horticulture, we always look forward to returning home after work to spend time in the garden and enjoy the satisfaction it brings.

“We are happy to see parents bringing their children, who have shown great interest in learning about different plants.”