By Tupuola Terry Tavita

A programme to develop horticulture and viticulture know-how in the rural areas was launched last Friday at the Tourism Fale, Eleele Fou.

Funded by the New Zealand government, the Ola-i-Fanua Horticulture Foundation programme seeks to introduce training in such diverse fields as flower arrangement, soil fertilization, fruit tree husbandry, etc.

Launching the programme, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said there is much Samoa does not know about farming.

“For instance, we have been planting talo for generations yet there is much we don’t know about cultivating the best talo for consumption and export,�? said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.�?

The Prime Minister said he was particularly happy with courses on botany and flower arrangement, vegetable gardening and fruit tree husbandry.

“Areas like pot-planting and flower decoration yields a lot of money. Florists in the country are charging a lot of money for businesses and government offices who hire their plants or purchase bouquets. Those who supply flowers to these florists are also getting good return. We have the right weather and soil fertility for flowering plants to flourish.

“It’s an industry a lot of our people in the village can get into. A lot of farmers can diversify to. A lot of tourists are also drawn to botanical gardens and greenhouses and make it a must to visit these businesses while in the country.�?

The programme involves a training of trainers course as well as its focus on training selected trainees from the villages.

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