On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the TRTC Young Farmers Campus in Naisavere hosted a vibrant and impactful Farmers-to-Farmers Exchange Program, bringing together 57 young farmers and 10 farming couples to explore innovative agricultural practices. The Program was facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Division, Taveuni. This dynamic seminar was designed to inspire and equip participants with the knowledge and skills to diversify their farming ventures beyond traditional crops like dalo and yaqona, fostering sustainable growth and resilience in their agricultural endeavors.
Seminar Focus: Diversifying Agricultural Commodities
The program spotlighted four key agricultural areas, each offering hands-on engagement and targeted learning opportunities:
- Aqua Farming: Participants explored the potential of aquaculture, learning techniques for fish farming and sustainable water management to integrate this high-demand commodity into their operations.
- Api-culture (Beekeeping): Beekeeping sessions highlighted the benefits of honey production, pollination services, and the economic potential of apiary products, encouraging farmers to consider this low-maintenance, high-reward practice.
- Piggery Farming / Beef Farming: These sessions delved into livestock management, covering breeding, feeding, and market strategies for pigs and cattle, offering insights into scalable animal husbandry.
Poultry Farming: Farmers gained practical knowledge on poultry rearing, including egg production and broiler farming, with a focus on efficient systems to meet local and regional demand.
Hands-On Learning and Targeted Engagement
The seminar’s structure allowed participants to select sessions aligned with their interests, ensuring a tailored learning experience. Through interactive workshops, farmers engaged directly with experts and peers, gaining practical insights into each commodity. This hands-on approach enabled participants to explore diversification opportunities, equipping them with the tools to expand their farms’ productivity and profitability. The sessions emphasized oscillation principles, encouraging farmers to balance resource upscaling with effective farm management while still in the learning phase.
Empowering Young Farmers and Farming Couples
The Farmers-to-Farmers Exchange Program is a cornerstone of the TRTC’s mission to upskill and upscale young farmers. By introducing innovative practices and fostering peer-to-peer learning, the program ignited enthusiasm among the 57 young farmers and 10 farming couples in attendance. The initiative moved them away from reliance on traditional crops, opening doors to diversified, sustainable farming models that promise long-term economic stability.
A Broader Vision for Agricultural Growth
This seminar is part of TRTC’s broader strategy to provide sustained support to farmers through ongoing programs. By offering follow-up resources and mentorship, TRTC aims to ensure that participants can successfully implement what they’ve learned, transforming their farms into resilient, diversified operations. The program not only equips farmers with technical knowledge but also fosters a collaborative community where ideas and best practices are shared.
Looking Ahead
The Farmers-to-Farmers Exchange Program at TRTC Young Farmers Campus marks a significant step toward modernizing agriculture in Naisavere. By empowering young farmers and farming couples to embrace new commodities and innovative practices, TRTC is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. As these farmers return to their fields, they carry with them not only new skills but also a renewed passion for transforming their farms and communities.
