The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Rural and Maritime Development Hon. Joeli Cawaki met with the youth of Nasau District in Ra and urged them to fully maximise the potential of natural resources in their province as a source of income.
As the Assistant Minister closed the Empowerment Training in Nasau village last week, he highlighted to the youth on the importance of using natural resources as a source of income. He pointed out that while leasing land was another source of income, he encouraged them to use the resources on idle land.
“I urge you all to return to your various villages and apply the training and skills you’ve acquired this week,” said Hon. Cawaki. “You have to ensure that you fully utilise the natural resources at your disposal.”
“I urge all youth to plant more produce to meet the local market demand and also the international market,” Hon Cawaki said.
He reminded the youth from the seven villages of Nasau district in the interior of Ra that there is great demand for locally produced goods and our “exporters are trying their best to meet overseas demands.”
He also encouraged them to appreciate the skills taught throughout the week by agriculture officers and apply them to help increase their productivity.
Divisional youth officer west Mr Valami Naloga said; “The empowerment training was a success as the 72 youth participants got the chance to practice what they learnt during the week.”
“There were demonstrations by the agricultural training officers and youths also got a chance to listen to officials from other organisation especially the Fiji Development Bank,” said Mr Naloga.
Mr Valami said the youth were also made aware of the various assistance available within Government, which Hon. Cawaki reiterated saying that “Government will offer timely assistance when and where necessary to boost economic and sustain the livelihood of all Fijians.”
The week-long training which began on Monday last week was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
PRESS RELEASE