6000 Seedlings Every Six Weeks

The newly-opened Tutu Rural Training Centre nursery will benefit close to 100 student farmers with fruit and vegetable seedlings at the centre.

The advanced nursery has its own water tank and pressure pump with an automated irrigation system that can water vegetable seedlings and have the capacity to grow 6000 seedlings every six weeks.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, opened the nursery in Taveuni on Thursday.

He aknowledged the partnership between the institution and the British America Tabacco (BAT) Fiji which distributed seedlings.

About 60,000 vegetable seedlings can be raised at the nursery in a year.

This development is to boost farmers food security opportunities and generate income through vegetable sales.

Mr Tunabuna said the opening would empower diverse group of student farmers with adequate knowledge and skills to manage a nursery space.

The centre has graduated and trained more than 7000 young farmers, fishers, foresters and entrepreneurs since it was established in 1969.

It is now working on digital solutions to monitor farmer data including sales and expenses.

The nursery will enable farmers to increase their capability to plant more crops and vegetables.

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BAT Fiji has been training student farmers on germinating and taking proper care of seedlings.

BAT Fiji head of finance, Rahul Prakesh, commended collaborative effort of the Government and private sector in fostering sustainable agriculture development.

Mr Prakesh said by providing a controlled environment through the nursery, they aim to increase productivity, ensure food security and promote sustainable farming practices.

“It will serve as a catalyst for agricultural innovation and empowerment in the local community,” he said.

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