Members of the public at the North Agriculture Show. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Close to 4,000 people in the Northern Division have been attending the Agriculture Show in Labasa this week.
Principal Agriculture Officer [North] John Cox said more people are expected to turn up today since it is the last day of the show.
“There has been an increasing number of people visiting the Show this week and this has been really impressive. It shows their interest in agriculture and farming and this has also been a good avenue to promote the importance of nurturing and sustaining our soils,” Mr Cox said.
Activities earlier this week included students participating in Oratory Contests based on the theme of the Show – Sustain our Soils, Nourish our Nation, Reaffirm our Future.
In addition, there were also fire drills carried out by the National Fire Authority, Dog Shows by the Fiji Police Force, land preparation and cooking demonstrations by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and stakeholders displaying their services, products and goods especially women involved in gardening and selling flowers.
For the primary school lower category, first prize was awarded to Natansha Julian Mudalir of Bethel Primary School while Maria Dru of Saint Mary’s received second place and Bulimali Tikomaimereke a class five student of Nasekula primary claimed the third prize.
“I did not expect to win the first prize because the competition was really tough but at the same time I’m really happy for this achievement,” Miss Mudalir said.
For the Upper category division first place was awarded to Sera Du, Class eight (8) of St Mary’s Primary School and said that Agriculture is topic that is passionate about.
Second place was awarded to Joshlyn Jessica Prasad, Year 8 of St. Mary’s.
“I was happy and proud to represent my school, and was not expecting to win but today’s win helped increase my self-confidence,” Miss Prasad said.
Juliana Lelea Vuiyale was awarded third place and she is a class seven (7) student of St. Augustine Public School.
Meanwhile, there will be several more Agriculture Shows held around the country this year. The West Agriculture Show will be held at Garvey Park, Tavua from 4-6 August, and the Central Division Show at Syria Park from 9-11 September while the Eastern Divisions will be held in Levuka, Kadavu and Lau later this year.
The Ra Agriculture Show will be held in Rakiraki from 30-31 July, 2015.
Press Release