60 women of Naivucini, Naitasiri empowered through mushroom training

Over 60 women of Naitasiri, from the villages of Naivucini, Saumakia, and Drauleba, were empowered through a recent mushroom training conducted by the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC) and supported by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture.

These aspiring entrepreneurs were offered the opportunity to learn about the scientific specification of mushroom growth and cultivation, enabling them to strengthen their existing orchards or begin a new commodity path.

The advisor to the village community council of Naivucini Ledua Vereti says the mushroom training was specifically for the women as they needed an interim crop with a quick turnover to fill the gap in the period that their yaqona crops are maturing.

The training was facilitated by the president of the Fiji Mushroom Farmers Association, Susan Pocock. The Association is one of 15 commodity members of the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council.

Vereti says that the farming of oyster mushrooms, which will solely be an activity for the women, and the planting of yaqona by the men, are in line with the Naivucini community’s short, mid and long term plans to improve their living conditions, invest in the stock market, and real estate.

FCLC CEO Jiu Daunivalu, says she was pleased to see the interest emanating from rural communities for mushroom production.