John Chief.

Students interested in applying for the agriculture programmes can get expert advice, and counselling services, and enrol in the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (CAFF) at the FNU Roadshow booths in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions.

Students can contribute to the nation’s development by implementing sustainable farming practices, innovating in crop management, conducting research for improved yields, and fostering community initiatives that enhance food security and economic growth.

The FNU roadshow will take place in Sigatoka, Ba, Navua, Nausori, Tavua, Rakiraki, Nadi, Lautoka and in the North, this week from January 25-27.

Former Marist Brother’s High School student John Chief is enrolled in the Bachelor of Sciences in Agriculture at the FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF).

“My experience at FNU’s Koronivia campus has been great, all my lecturers are kind, helpful, and willing to impart knowledge from their own experience and not just conveying what they have to from the syllabus,” he said.

“All the lecturers had their own way of teaching, whether it was through practical work, storytelling, academic quizzes or model making, and it kept things interesting instead of focusing on a singular mode of learning.”

Chief’s journey into agriculture was not initially the path he envisioned. The COVID-19 pandemic and family influences led him to discover his love for working the land, finding solace and satisfaction in the field.

He said FNU’s CAFF not only imparts theoretical knowledge, but offers hands-on experience, preparing students to think innovatively and sustainably in the agricultural landscape.

“No one in my family chose agriculture as a career path, but they do dabble in their own backyard gardens. However, my aunty now has a farm or is developing a farm in Navua, and my family has land in Ra that we are trying to occupy once again with crops,” he said.

“I used to go to our farm in Ra to work during the high school holidays, and that is where I discovered that I enjoy getting my hands dirty and working outside to experience the fruits of my labour.”

Chief also represented Fiji in the basketball team at the Pacific Games 2023 in Solomon Islands where the team won a gold medal.

“The honour of representing Fiji in basketball has only been given to very few people, so to be a part of that group will always be special to me and something I cherish forever,” he said.