The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is intensifying its efforts to enhance food security in Kadavu. Officials are actively implementing initiatives designed to boost local food production and encourage sustainable agricultural practices on the island.
Teams from the Land Resources Planning and Crop Extension divisions are expanding the School Garden Programme at Richmond Methodist High School and Tiliva District School. This initiative involves the establishment of nurseries and box farms, which will provide students with practical farming skills while fostering healthy eating habits and self-sufficiency among the youth.
In the vicinity of Muani, officers are conducting assessments of logged forest areas to locate degraded land suitable for rehabilitation. This endeavor aims to restore soil health, ultimately leading to improved long-term agricultural productivity.
Additionally, an agro-ecology demonstration site is being developed in Solovola, Ravitaki. This site is intended to encourage sustainable farming practices that not only protect the environment but also enhance the local food supply.
According to the Ministry, these initiatives are part of a broader effort to create resilient farming systems and decrease dependence on imported food in rural areas. By focusing on local food production and sustainable practices, the Ministry is taking significant steps towards a more self-sufficient and food-secure future for Kadavu’s communities.