Four days of training for farmers took place last week at the Hotel Millennia.
Conducted by the Samoa Business Enterprise Centre from Monday to Thursday, the training aimed to support fruit and vegetable growers and livestock producers to improve their productivity and take greater advantage of market opportunities.
The training is part of the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project.
The Business Training Manager of S.B.E.C., Naomi Fili-Falō, said “the training helps farming in Samoa become more commercially oriented and competitive so that it can take advantage of emerging market opportunities.
“Most farmers use the money they receive to develop their families without thinking of enlarging their plantation or creating other businesses,” she said.
“Other objectives of this training are to encourage interested livestock producers to upgrade livestock, improve husbandry practices and stock management, make productivity enhancing on-farm investments, and improve the quality of meat sold in the local market.” she said.
“What they receive from selling their products can end up in very good used if we let them understand ways to make other use of the money they receive.”
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During the training on Tuesday on the development of piggeries, poultry and honey bees in Samoa, they also discussed some important points in marketing like, prices, sizes and methods in selling.
Mrs Fuli-Falō stated that “Last year was the first intake of this programme and there were 53 farmers approved, as for the second intake this year, we visited 157 farmers.”
“This amounts confirmed the great need in our people for this project.”
Eighty farmers joined on Monday for cattle and sheep development, 36 participated on Tuesday for the sessions on piggeries, poultry and honey bees, and 28 were there for fruit and vegetable advice Wednesday.”
The Coordinator for the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project [SACEP], Lafaele Enoka said the 157 farmers are from Upolu only.
“This amount of farmers is now eligible but the bank will assess and look into their credibility before signing the agreement for the funding.”
“The total amount of farmers approved for grants from the 157 that we visited is not yet confirmed.”
Launched in October 2012, the World Bank and the Samoan government are working to revive a declining agriculture industry in Samoa. During an interview with the Minister of Agriculture, Lemamea Ropati Mualia last year, he said that more than 50 farmers have had their applications for funding approved under a World Bank grant scheme.
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