The School of Agriculture at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), through its South Pacific Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SPISARD), recently facilitated a training program on livestock feed making using locally available ingredients in Fiji. The training, which took place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, was held at the Sigatoka Research Station in Nacocolevu, Fiji, and attracted 36 participants, including lead farmers and livestock extension officers from various regions across Fiji.

The training was led by Mr. William Nano, a livestock expert from SPISARD, and was funded by the ACIAR Fiji Landcare project, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways (MOA&W), Fiji National University (FNU), and TeiTei Taveuni (TTT).

Photo (L to R): Dr. William Kerua (FNU Landcare Project Team Leader), Hon. Vatimi Rayalu (Minister for Agriculture & Waterways), Mr. William Nano (Trainer – PNGUOT), and Ms. Aloesi Adimaidrano Dakuidreketi (Landcare Project Manager).

The initiative was born out of community requests identified during the Landcare baseline study and farmer consultation workshops, highlighting the need for cost-effective alternatives to expensive commercial livestock feeds.

Participants in the training were equipped with the skills to formulate and produce their own feed rations using a variety of locally available ingredients. The intensive program combined theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations, which were well received by all attendees. Ms. Ovanalagi Susuwai, a poultry farmer from Namatakula Nadroga, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We have so much available resources around us that we can use as livestock feed. I am so grateful for this learning experience and will surely practice what I have learnt during the week.”

The closing ceremony, held on August 23rd, 2024, was graced by the Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, who presented the participants with certificates of attainment.

Photo: Hon. Rayalu (fourth second row – seated) with participants and trainers.

In his address, Minister Rayalu emphasized the significance of the training, noting that feed costs constitute a substantial portion of total livestock production expenses, often accounting for 60-70% of costs. He further highlighted the importance of exploring alternative feed sources to improve profitability and support the livelihoods of farmers.

The Minister also acknowledged the broader goals of the Landcare project to extend its activities to other Pacific Island countries, fostering stronger collaborations between project partners, including FNU, MOA&W, and PNGUoT. He called for similar training programs in the future to further enhance the knowledge and skills of smallholder farmers, ultimately contributing to sustainable farm production, food security, and increased household income.

The Fiji Landcare project and its partners expressed their gratitude to Mr. William Nano and the School of Agriculture at PNGUoT for conducting the training, which has made a lasting impact on the participants and the broader farming community in Fiji.

Photo (L to R): Participant Mr. Ifran Ali (Extension Officer – Sigatoka) receiving Certificate of Attainment from Hon. Rayalu (Minister for Agriculture & Waterways).