The culmination of the 2015 Lomaiviti Agriculture Show held from 08 -10 October at Nasau Park in Levuka, ended with an Awards evening to recognize the dedication, hard work and perseverance of farmers from Koro, Gau, Nairai, Batiki, Ovalau and Moturiki.
Commissioner Eastern Luke Moroivalu who was Chief Guest stressed the need to consider farmers as our national heroes because they literally provide food and income security for the nation.
“The Agriculture Show has and will continue to play a major role in this development and it continues with the aims of promoting agriculture as a profession, lucrative business and a great contributor to Fiji’s growing economy,’’ he said.
He emphasized that the intention of the awards night was to acknowledge farmers’ contribution to feeding Fiji and growing its economy through the Best Farmer of the Division award and the need to grow, buy and eat locally produced foods for healthy living and to help reduce Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Mr Moroivalu acknowledged stakeholders from the agriculture sector who provide support in terms of markets, exports and the linkage for their motivation, passion and determination to work with the farmers.
Present at the Awards Night were the farmers, various Government Ministries staff and the Ministry of Agriculture staff who all witnessed the presentation of awards.
The winners of the following categories were as follows:
Yaqona Farmer of the Year – Etuate Draunidalo of Lovoni, Ovalau
Dalo Farmer – Ratu Eroni Matavesi of Nasau, Koro
Ginger Farmer of the year – Orisi Ramenawa of Nasauvuki, Moturiki.
Vegetable Farmer of the year – Eremodo Tekivakatini of Tovulailai, Nairai
Yam Farmer of the year – Samuela Komaivunuku Tavola of Nabuna, Koro
Voivoi Farmer – Rupeni Tabaki of Manuku, Batiki
Pig Farmer of the Year – Ben Naidu of Ovalau
Beef Farmer of the Year – Ernest Douglas of Ovalau
Best Local Tausala Buyer – Viliame Sova of Nasau, Koro
Best Local Yaqona Farmer – Tevita Sorokibau of Ovalau.
Livestock Farmer of the Year – Ben Naidu of Ovalau
Lomaiviti Farmer of the Year – Etuate Draunidalo of Lovoni, Ovalau.
DEPTFO