Nadawa group practices backyard gardening

Submitted by TemoL on Tue, 07/09/2010 - 12:29pm

Backyard gardening has been encouraged by the Agriculture Department for years now and this generally has a positive impact on household food security and thus beneficial to women as they are most often responsible for putting meals on the table every day.

This is the new focus and venture at the Nadawa Housing Sub-Division in Suva and is part of the Methodist Church Development program; on Men, Women and Youth Division.

Group leader, Ratu Sikeli Tabakaucoro says that there is a great need to recognize backyard agriculture as an important and immediate solution to vegetable supply for our daily diet at home as well as small cash grant if there is a surplus.

“Most of the homes in Nadawa have been practicing backyard gardening and we also feel that it is about time that homes in the vicinity are encouraged to plant their own food,” said Ratu Sikeli.

“We are so thankful to the Government and in particular to the Department of Agriculture, the Central Division Office; the Senior Agriculture Officer (Rewa) and staff for being able to be with the community in the weekends to teach and demonstrate the various methods of backyard gardening,” he added.

Senior Agriculture Officer (Rewa) Jone Matawalu says that the interest shown by the Methodist group in Nadawa is very encouraging and hopes that more groups will show their interest in backyard gardening.

“We conducted a farmer training for them before we got together to build their nursery using traditional materials which does not cost anything at all,” explained Mr Matawalu.

“There are plans for them to expand but of course, starting small is always advisable.”

Mr Matawalu added that there has been a lot of enthusiasm by communities and groups living along the Suva-Nausori corridor.

“We have groups in Nepani as well as Muanikoso that have already started their backyard gardens and are already reaping the rewards.”

Interested groups or communities can visit their nearest Agriculture station in the various localities around the country for further advice and information on backyard gardening.

Source : Agriculture Ministry