Priority Achievement

Agro Vegetable Competition

Various activities were established by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Taiwan Farm to improve the capacity building of farmers in Tuvalu. One activity to draw farmer’s intention is a competition which also involves anyone who is willing to participate.It was initiate for farmers to compete in a Planting Agriculture Vegetables as a mean of communication amongst themselves about planting techniques, using of fertilizers (their important and their disadvantages), and how this competition provide  good food security and nutrition to improve their livelihoods

Mrs. Akinesi Sianoa, a senior staff of the Department statesthat previous competition were held and was focusing on growing various vegetables such as Watermelon, Tomato, Capsicum, Beans, and other available vegies seeds from the Taiwan Aid. But this competition will be focusing only to Watermelon. The winner will only be judged on two conditions, which is; if only his/her Watermelon weights the heaviest, and that it is the best Watermelon, concerning its size and its appearance. The competition procedure was discussed on a half day meeting with the participants in whom Mrs. Sianoa and the Taiwan expert elaborate more on the competition procedures. The farmers were motivated during the half day meeting

All the seedlings were planted on the same time in the Taiwan Demonstration Farm, and were distributed to participants. Meanwhile, farmers were advised to hold their planting and listen to the radio for the announcement about the starting date of the competition. There is no bias in the competition because the seedlings were planted on the same time and was handed to farmers in pots which can be planted in beds on a 5 day period.

The prizes were given by the Taiwan Consulate to Tuvalu, and included in it are farming tools and cash Prizes that can be of very good assistant to the winners in their Agriculture Developments after the competition. This competition was implemented for food security purposes and improvement of the participant’s livelihoods. Thus the competition brings motivation to farmers who haven’t been participated