Women blossom with floriculture training

EMPOWERING women through agriculture, thirty women in Rukuruku Village in Ovalau, Lomaiviti, were part of a two-day training on the basics of floriculture.

Facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the initiative was aimed at empowering women and youths through agricultural development and later achieve income security.

The women learned how to harvest high-value flowers such as anthurium and orchids and arrange them into wreaths and flower arrangements.

Senior Agriculture Officer (farm management) and floriculture coordinator Naomi Naiqumu said the ministry had been working with women in communities across Fiji to introduce and develop their interests with regards to floriculture.

“Getting the basics right is the first step for us and we have noticed that more women are coming up with innovative ideas on floriculture, which is very encouraging,” she said.

“One of the key outputs in the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) of the ministry is to recognise women’s contribution to the agriculture sector and to also promote women in agriculture.”

She said women played a vital role in households and there were activities that they could engage in, such as floriculture, using the resources around them that can assist them financially.

The women’s group in Rukuruku Village was assisted three years ago with 100 anthurium flowers, nursery materials, wheelbarrows, watering cans, hose pipes and pruning shears, which amounted to $7000 worth of assistance.

Ms Naiqumu added the ministry wants to work closely with the communities in Ovalau to help them grow their floriculture industry, as there are resorts, homestay accommodation, as well as, funeral homes that are now thriving on the island.

The training is the second floriculture training to be held in the Lomaiviti Province, with the first one held in Vatulele Village on Koro Island.

The ministry anticipates more trainings in the coming months for communities interested in floriculture.