Fiji Experience

Plants Need Balanced Nutrients
The deterioration of Soil fertility has been caused by factors in such as, climate change, use of synthetic fertilizer and poor farming practical techniques. Synthetic fertilizers (SF) are quick solutions for farmers to achieve a better yield so as to cover cost of planting and return a margin. Applying SF disrupts the natural Eco-system in the soil leading to a nutrient imbalance absorbed by plants.

In real terms from my experience  our yield in produce has been deteriorating due to poor nutrient content of the soil. For the long term, synthetic fertilizers are very harmful to the natural ecosystem of soil micro-organisms who do the balancing of nutrients. The practice of using synthetic fertilizers is costly and is harmful to the environment and humans. Also the uses of SF can be driven by the demand in the market to avoid shortage in supply and human hunger is contained. In fact there are downsides to this as mentioned above.

Organic Manure is the Solution
I am currently practicing good soil management which is low tillage and using compost or organic manure to fertilize our produce. The reason for change is that ethically it is wrong to be using chemical indirectly on humans for the sake of making money. We have a lot of cases of mass production of vegetables and root crops in Fiji where consumers are left uninformed on the effects of such practice. In Fiji, distinguishing organic and non-organic produce at a local market would not be possible as all are sold at the same price.

Through our network of small holder farmers we are advocating for organic so consumers are not lured by greenly vegetables who are boosted by SF. They do look fresh and healthy but to take closer attention on the produce through lab tests would be something interesting.

The benefits of Organic manure is by far the best mode of practice for young and aspiring farmers who would like to make a future in agriculture. Composting outweighs the use of SF because of the following reasons:
Why Compost??

1. It has a balanced nutrient supply
2. It is cheap as most materials are readily available
3. Does not harm the natural ecosystem
4. Environmentally friendly
5. Good for plant uptake, absorbent
6. Sustainability

Farming in Fiji are regarded as a low class for a profession as only school dropouts fit into. At first these Youths have confidence to start up farms but normally they plant the usual taro and cassava which takes time for harvest. Added to this is the cost of fertilizer, weedicides and pesticides and these has a deterrent effect and loss of confidence to continue farming. Little do they realize that these can be home made  organically at a very minimal cost. If you need any recipes please subscribe to our mailing list to get a copy.

When these Youths leave agriculture they tend to drift to urban centers attracted to the lifestyle and to seek opportunities. Well and good some as they find odd jobs but others are more likely to indulge in illegal activities to support themselves. Glue sniffing is a rising problem in Fiji and it will harm the current generation if we don't act collectively towards advocacy on agriculture.

A challenge is out there to try and get Youths occupied so they are not vulnerable to social distractions and exploited, so as to have a future for themselves.

The three factors of production to any economy are Land, Labor, and Capital. For a farmer to go organic the probability of success is high due to the availability of resources for a start.

Yes there is hope in Agriculture!!

Why not become your own boss!!

Fertile Nursery- ROBUST Seedlings,

Soil management in all phases of plant growth is very important to the high yield to any production. With our tropical climates and the changing weather patterns farmers are challenged to initiate innovative techniques to curb this global problem. Climate change is taking its toll.

From the preliminary stages of planting which is nursing a seed to grow a healthy seedling offers high probability of a successful yield in production of any farm produce.  Experts who practice nursery techniques even go to the extent of cooking soil to ensure a healthy seed is germinated.

The importance of a vibrant and vigorous plant is essential to any farmer who desires to have a good return. From my experiences, the use the synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals on the farm affects yields dramatically in return leads to lower margins, poor soil fertility and exponential costs.

Written By: AW

African Tulip Weeds- USEFUL

In Fiji African Tulip grows wild and farmers like me face a mammoth task in trying to control and eradicate this weed species which thrives on dry fertile land. In Navuso where I farm, thousands of dollars have been spent to control the weed and also clearance for shifting cultivation.

My fellow brother and business partner Nod who owns the land where I farm got and idea last year to try and put to good use this weed. So he decided to rip them in 1 inches by 8-10 inches, was then air dried for a few days before it was dipped in loose engine oil for treatment. After this it was then air dried again before we used it for building purpose. The weed is now the floor for our farm houses and we will also be using it for other uses like table top for our nursery,etc.

Before the useful use of African Tulip is was ripped in blocks, piled up and we used tyres to burn them down. The reason for burning is that if any part of it touches the ground it grows again, oh what a hassle.

A report has been published by FAO on this problem here in Fiji and this document can be accessed on this link: http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5031e/y5031e06.htm .

So to you farmers who are facing this issues with the vigorous growth of African tulip, maybe try to use it for your farm houses or nurseries, well in fact surely wont last that long if compared to treated timber, but the cost analysis for small holder farmers, very cost effective.

Vinaka me vakavurevakasama!! Io E

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Stop Chemicals-GO organic Fiji

Recently I attended a workshop on an invitation from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to be in Port Villa, Vanuatu for a week to be trained a trainer in organic farming. So it was the:
Building Capacity of Youth In Organic Agriculture - Train the Trainers Workshop Port Vila 

First and foremost I asked myself why Vanuatu for the training when it could have been done here in Fiji. I got the answer on the first day; Organic farming is widely practiced and taught in Vanuatu. They have a farmer support organisation called the FSA: Farmer Support Association which was established way back in 1913 and they FSA were also facilitators to this workshop. I was amazed at how the organisation operates and the services they provide to their members. The existence of FSA has significantly impacted the farmers of Vanuatu as most of market produce are organic. They provide technical training for farmers and their trainers, provision of farming equipment's, seedlings and feeds at affordable price, as most of these are imported directly from overseas, and this cuts middlemen or hardware shops that are mostly expensive. Great idea minimizing the cost of start-up to eager farmers. 

Vanuatu exports the only organic beef in the Pacific and they have the best beef I have ever tasted. Their beef tastes much better from Fiji and its tender, Wow you should try! Also i tried their chicken, Wow its even better, as the meat are a bit tough and they are tastier than Fiji chickens. I asked around and they said that their Birds are not locked in cages like in Fiji but they are free to move around in ample space, adding to it is the feed that is used to feed them.

A highlight of these training would be the lessons learned from the importance of soil management which contributes allot to yields during harvesting. In Fiji the older generations had better soil management skills which are no longer practiced in rural communities mainly due to the introduction of quick solutions to farming. These are for examples synthetic weedicides,pesticides and fertilizers which harm the environment but also its long term effect on humans. A recent finding on the effect on Glyphosate on Humans can be accessed on this link- http://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/15/4/1416http:/  

So in our context here in Fiji, especially Suva where we get most of our vegetables from Chineese and other farmers around the Central Division, I shall pose a question if they do practice organic farming? NO, do they care for your health? NO, do they use chemicals?YES. So why are we consumers neglecting this facts, maybe you don't know, but today you do! Do something, make a change, your health is at risk!! All they want is to make a profit in a business that is unethical to humanity. Sounds interesting as ethics shall be ultimate in Food supply to any Human. To summarize this is unethical trade, double full-stop..

AgroNet Fiji is taking this bold and confident steps towards being organically certified with POETCOM and to be a launching ground of these awareness and training in Fiji with the focus being the Central Division at first. And is working towards the opening of  the vegetables and root crop online retail business to serve the people who are more responsive to the organic movement.

Don't worry Fiji we are here to fight hunger ORGANICALLY!!