THIRTY youths graduated with level four qualifications in crop production from the Naleba Youth Training Centre in Macuata earlier this month.
The graduates completed seven months of training in crop production, gaining knowledge and practical experience in farming.
Northern Principal agriculture officer Surendra Prasad said the graduates had learned more than how to plant, water and harvest crops.
Mr Prasad said they had learned about soil health, timing, record-keeping and the work required to produce crops.
“You have faced early mornings, long days in the field and the challenge of balancing theory and good practice,” he said.
He said the training had given the graduates knowledge that could be used when they returned to their communities.
“I’m urging you to use your skills to help improve food production and generate income.”
He said the graduates could become future leaders in agriculture and help bring changes to their communities.
He compared each graduate to a seed which could grow when it was given care, knowledge and patience.
“The graduates now have the opportunity to use what they had learned to help families and communities.”
He encouraged them to continue learning and to seek advice from agriculture officers when they needed assistance.
“If you need assistance, our agriculture officers are present here, and wherever you go, our agriculture team is there.”
He said agriculture was an important part of communities and the country.
