Virgin oil project to grow in FIji

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Nanise Loanakadavu Saturday, November 10, 2012

SOCIAL Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation minister Dr Jiko Luveni will continue to assist women's groups' venture into poultry and virgin coconut oil (VCO) projects next year.

Dr Luveni said as articulated in the Women's Plan of Action (2010 to 2019), government was committed to the empowerment of women and their role in poverty eradication.

This year the ministry has assisted 23 women's group with poultry and VCO projects.

A total of $70,000 was invested to develop 14 poultry projects while $30,000 has been invested into starting nine VCO projects.

Dr Luveni said women played an important role in food security and poverty alleviation.

"The poultry and VCO production enables women to contribute towards their household income. These projects are managed well by the women's groups," Dr Luveni said.

She said in 2011 the ministry developed 16 poultry projects and this year they funded 14 new poultry and VCO projects.

"Next year, we will continue to invest and assist more women's groups into these income-generating projects," she said.

"Government is committed to improving the livelihood of women and we will continue to monitor the progress of these projects."