The Veilomani Boys Home in Ba has received a significant boost to its food security and wellbeing with the donation of 750 eggplant and chilli seedlings, along with the planting of 30 fruit trees.
Staff from the Ministry of Agriculture based in Lautoka visited the Home this week as part of the Ministry’s Wellness, Community Outreach, and Team Bonding initiatives.
The Ministry says the activity aimed to promote food security, healthy living, and sustainable farming practices, while strengthening partnerships with community institutions.
They say the fruit trees were provided by the Ministry of Forestry, while the vegetable seedlings were supplied by British American Tobacco through the Grow Plus Programme, under the Ministry’s private sector partnership framework.
They add that the initiative was warmly received by the Veilomani Boys Home and the Methodist Church in Fiji, who acknowledged the positive impact the support will have on the Home’s food production and overall wellbeing.
Following the planting exercise, Ministry officials held discussions with representatives of the Boys Home on potential areas of collaboration, including how the Ministry can further support the development and sustainability of the Home’s farm operations through technical advice and future programmes.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with communities, faith-based organisations, and private sector partners to empower institutions and individuals through agriculture-led development.
