Don’t Just Focus On Short-Term Gains At Expense Of The Future, Urges Seruiratu
Development at the expense of our natural environment is irresponsible. This was highlighted by Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.
He was speaking to members of the two-day symposium organised by the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIENDS) in Tuvu Lautoka yesterday.
“A lot of people only focus on the economic benefits. It’s all about the money for them,” said Mr Seruiratu.
Mr Seruiratu said that development undeniably comes with a lot of expenses.
“But development at the expense of the environment and the natural resources, that is poor and irresponsible,” he said. Mr Seruiratu said that the natural ecosystem should never be compromised.
He said that people tend to undertake developments just focusing on the short term gains.
“Unfortunately, of all the developments that occur today, we are just only focusing on the shortterm gains at the expense of the future,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu said that people should be mindful of their daily actions and the impact it could have on the natural environment. “Look after the environment and in return, it will provide for the very purpose it was created for,” he said.
He also emphasised on the importance of undertaking sustainable development.
“Greater understanding of sustainable agriculture is required especially on the need to pay particular attention to the critical roles played by women, youth, smallholder farmers, pastoralists and forest users,” said Mr Seruiratu.
He said that sustainable agriculture had a lot of potential for young men and women, who he claimed would further contribute to a more sustainable economy. He also urged everyone to practice traditional farming practices. “There are various solutions to production of healthier and more nutritious food, which need greater attention and should be promoted. This includes traditional farming like crop rotation, mix crop farming and organic farming. Usage of pesticides, weedicides and fertilisers are encouraged to be minimised,” he said. The symposium ends today. Edited by Jonathan Bryce