THE Fiji National University has introduced some new programs under its College of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries this year.
While confirming this, FNU's Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said new programs offered this year were wood processing, animal health and horticulture.
"The horticulture program will run at the Nadi office as well, which will be specifically focused on the needs of the tourism industry and development works at Legalega are in full gear now," he said.
"We will also be running a number of short courses in various aspects of agriculture like biological pest management and control and basic courses in sheep farming."
Dr Chand said the new agriculture scholarship program for the university would be effective from this year and FNU had already advertised for applicants.
"A special program had been developed to ensure that 50 students gain the relevant knowledge to set-up commercial agricultural ventures," he said.
"There are 50 scholarships provided with the intent to provide all that is necessary for one to become a successful commercial farmer.
"If the scheme continues for five years, we will see eventually 250 large commercial farms in Fiji which will provide a huge boost to agriculture and food security in the country."
Dr Chand said the criteria for the scholarship required a Form Seven pass rate but given the special nature of the scheme, there was no restriction on the subjects which students had taken in their Form Seven studies.