Vanuatu is actively working towards improving crop productivity and achieving national agricultural targets by providing training and support to local farmers. The Director of the Department of Agriculture, Antoine Ravo, stressed the importance of ensuring that local plant resources are utilized effectively by farmers.
To achieve this, training programs have been organized, including workshops for experienced farmers in Port Vila. The focus is on developing business plans that align with the country’s national agricultural objectives, with the aim of implementing these plans by the end of the year and reporting on progress in the annual report for 2023.
Over 70 farmers from the Tafea and Shefa provinces recently participated in a week-long training program. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing agricultural techniques in Vanuatu. The program is designed to improve crop quality, increase sustainable agriculture practices, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported produce.
One of the participants, John Iaulu from Tanna, expressed how the workshops have helped him enhance his farming techniques. He shared that before attending the training, he had limited knowledge of advanced farming practices, but through the workshops, he learned valuable skills for better crop management.
Annie Sailes, a mother from Rantapau in East Efate, emphasized the positive impact of these programs on local communities. She mentioned that the training not only benefits individual farmers but also raises awareness across communities. It encourages English-speaking practices among the youth and creates a sense of shared learning and progress among farmers.
The collective effort to enhance crop farming skills and promote sustainable agriculture aligns with the government’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector. It is seen as a critical step in reducing the country’s dependence on imported agricultural products.
By focusing on skills development and raising awareness, Vanuatu aims to improve crop productivity and ensure long-term food security for its citizens. These initiatives are essential for the nation’s sustainable agricultural development and the achievement of its agricultural targets.
