More than 70 farmers participated in a recent field day held by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) at its demonstration farm in Bau Rd, Nausori. This event was part of the Resilient Cultivation Extension Project, designed to educate farmers on new resilient vegetable varieties and cultivation techniques that ensure consistent production throughout the year amid changing climatic conditions.
During the field day, the focus was particularly on the resilient varieties and cultivation methods for English cabbage, while also covering techniques applicable to other vegetables such as tomatoes and melons. Edward Chen, a specialist from TTM, emphasized the importance of learning these new methods, particularly to help farmers generate income during the off-season. “We all know that now is the season for English Cabbage and the market is flooded with it. But when it comes to November and December, we can still harvest using new growing methods that ensure profitability,” Chen stated.
TTM introduced three new varieties of English cabbage, specifically designed for the local climate in Fiji: varieties 228, 493, and 2. These have been approved by Fiji’s Biosecurity and are currently being trialed at the TTM demonstration farm, with hopes of releasing the seeds to local companies for broader distribution soon.
This proactive approach is part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture, which has been a growing concern in Fiji. The introduction of new crop varieties complements the government’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable farming practices, as seen in previous projects that introduced crops like guava and dragon fruit. Such initiatives work in tandem to enhance farmers’ resilience and safeguard against severe weather impacts that threaten agricultural output.
TTM’s project is set to span five years, with English cabbage being the focus for this year. Plans for the next year include introducing new varieties and methods for cultivating tomatoes.
Through these concerted efforts by TTM and local agricultural agencies, farmers are being equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to adapt to climate challenges effectively. This support highlights a commitment towards fostering a resilient agricultural sector in Fiji, ensuring food security and stable income opportunities for local farmers amidst changing environmental conditions.