SPAN Vol. 38, No.9 September 2013 ISSN 1015 - 950

Span

South Pacific Agricultural News—Institute for Research, Extension & Training in Agriculture

IRETA

Potential for onion production in Samoa

“ I want the Samoans to eat the best quality onions and stop importing trash quality onions for the same price of high quality

onions sold in America.” This is the goal of Mr. Arona Palamo, a Samoan born and raised agriculture practitioner who spent most of his 30-year pro-fessional life as a crop researcher in the USA. His target is to sustainably pro-duce the 900 tonne/year onion requirement of Samoa.

Mr. Palamo is an alumni of the School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) of USP in Alafua, Samoa who got a scholarship to take further studies on biotechnology at UC Davies and seed technology at Mississippi Institute of Technology. He also undertook greenhouse researches on ornamental and cash crops at Rutger University. With all the qualifications and challenging

work experiences he gained, he patriotically decided to make use of these to help improve the agriculture sector of Samoa.

He opened his onion trial farm plots to the public in Sinamonga and Savaia Villages on 3rd and 4th September, 2013 respectively. He got the interest of about 250 people in both days.

About 34 varieties are on trial, 8 of which are the red varieties, 6 are white and the rest are the yellow ones in four areas in Upolu. The trials are done in 320 plots with spacing as another treatment. Through these trials, he hopes to identify four superior varieties to commercialise (2 yellow, 1 red and

1 white) with other environmental considerations. The crops are due for harvest in late September.

While currently a family-owned business, he intends to involve taro farmers to allocate a portion of their farms to grow onions in order to meet the self-sufficiency target production for Samoa. “The key to sustaining the farmers’ participation in the production program is to properly screen the farmer co-operators and form an Onion Growers’ Association who will regularly discuss issues pertaining to the industry.”, Mr. Palamo envisioned in the long-term.

Editor in Chief : Mohammed Umar Publications Officer : Bel Guinto Email : guinto_m@samoa.usp.ac.fj

Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate, IRETA does not accept any responsibility or liability for error or fact omission, interpretation or opinion which may be present, nor for the consequences of any decisions based on this infor-mation. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the official view of IRETA.

Inside this issue: Building business skills for PNG … p.2 Outstanding service delivery for MAF… p.2 Tonga export potential boosted… p.3 Fiji plans to increase livestock production… p.3 Pilot rice project for Samoa … p.4 Aglime produced in Fiji to boost production… p.4 FSTE plans to offer face-to-face courses in Alafua … p.5 What’s on Campus … pp 6-7 Samoa Arts Council in a global conference… p.8

Mr. Palamo showing his onion variety trials.

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Building small business skills of women in PNG given focus

A research conducted by the University of Canberra with funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) looks at developing the capabilities of women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to operate small profitable businesses. The learning system is dubbed as “liklik

bisnis thinking” which literally means “small business thinking”. The aim of the program is to develop the business acumen of female horticulturists in the country. The effort is in response to the evident marginalised condition of PNG female farmers growing vegetables and sweet potato due to low level of financial literacy and access to markets. According to Professor Barbara Pamphilon of the University of Canberra, these women have low banking rates and are not ready for micro-credit schemes. The project team has begun building the skills of selected local people in three study areas (Baiyer Valley, East New Britain and Central Province) through provision of capacity building trainings where the participants become community learning facilitators. They, in turn, will be encouraged to undertake workshops in their respective communities.

Local experts from PNG’s National Agricultural Research Institute and the Fresh Produce Development Agency assist the community facilitators by providing relevant agricultural advice on potential new markets for produce as well as pre- and post-handling of crops. A satisfied participant, Veronica Briggs, who received training in basic financial literacy, crop management, and post-harvest and marketing techniques, also received assistance in building links to transport and

market produce in Port Moresby. She was also given the opportunity to open accounts with micro-banking services. She is now an eligible facilitator to train other men and women in her community. Another highlighted feature of the program is its approach on involving family groups through workshops geared at 'working as a family team for family goals'. The workshops constructively re-evaluate both men’s and women’s role in the family and encourage learning to improve the family condition. The young mature children are also engaged in activities which can prepare them to become the future financial managers of their family business. It is all about “liklik business thinking”, Professor Pamphilon reiterated. (Source: New Agriculturist written by Mandy Gyles of ACIAR)

Outstanding service delivery paid off for MAF Samoa Advisory Team

T he Advisory Team of the Crops Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) of Samoa under the

auspices of its Assistant Chief Executive Officer Misa

Konelio, was awarded the Samoa Public Service Innovation and Excellence Team Award by the Public Service Commission for customer service and service delivery initiative. The awarding ceremony coincided with the celebration of Samoa Public Service Day held on 27 September 2013.

Continued on p8

Young women from

Vunapalading participating in a community workshop.

( © Katja Mikhailovich)

Farmers who received training (© UTAS )

Tonga export potential boosted

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Fiji Ministry of Agriculture plans to increase livestock population

T he fumigation facility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries (MAFFF) in Tonga will now continue to operate despite power outages. This is made possible following the commission

of a back-up generator by the Tonga Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano and Australian High Commissioner Thomas Roth in a ceremony held last 03 September 2013. “The generator will significantly reduce the risk of damage or loss of produce if there is a failure of the main power supply while fumigation treatments are being conducted. The generator will also help to ensure on-going market access under current import protocols for Tongan agricultural exports, and reduce associated export risks,” Mr Roth said. The $T90,000 110kVA generator has sufficient capacity to supply power to the fumigation facility and the blast freezing and chilling units associated with the post-harvest facility. The generator also has the capacity to service several power supply points that are used to maintain refrigerated containers prior to loading produce for export. The provision of a reliable power supply for fumigation, freezing and refrigeration of agricultural produce

helps build confidence in the market for Tongan exports and drives greater demand for these products and

eventually will boost the economy of Tonga.

The long-term plan of MAFFF is to enter into an agreement with exporters to fund on-going operation and maintenance costs for the fumigation facility through a system of user charges. This will help support the overall sustainability and operation of the unit. The assistance was initiated through the AusAID-funded Pacific Horticulture and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Program, which specifically helps support growers and exporters gain and maintain access for new produce into new markets with the aim of improving rural economies in the participating PICs. (Phama website)

T HE Ministry of Agriculture in Fiji wants to further expand the livestock industry in the Western Divi-sion . This was disclosed by the Animal Health and Production Department Director Tomasi Tunabuna. He said plans are already in the pipeline to increase the livestock population in that area next year.

"We have a lot of plans for the livestock industry in the Western Division for next year because this region has a good environment for it. This year we started expanding the dairy industry in the West,” he said.

"Our poultry industry is also growing vigorously in the Lautoka and Nadi corridor. We have a lot of plans for the development of the sheep genetic industry and even the improvement of feed for livestock here."

Mr Tunabuna said the department would also look at increasing livestock feed products in the area. "We are looking at how we can make use of a lot of locally available resources for feed. We are taking into account the availability of sugar cane tops for six months every year which is a very good form of forage for live-stock. The availability and abundance of feedstock in the West is something we want to benefit from and that's how our livestock can be expanded.” he further remarked.

The Director also highlighted that the Western Division was a livestock disease-free zone. "The West is still free from brucellosis and tuberculosis which are the two main diseases that we normally want to control and eradicate. We believe that if we expand to the West now, we should be able to complement the loss of production from diseased animals in the Central Division." (Repeka Nasiko, Fiji Times)

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Pilot Rice Project targeting villages of Samoa

T he Chinese-funded trial project to develop new rice varieties exclusively for Samoa is turning into a reality. This outcome of the Pilot Rice Development Project was announced by the Minister of Agriculture himself, Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati. He said that Chinese experts working with the

Nu’u Crop Station have developed a range of new rice seedlings that are suitable to grow in local weather conditions.

The dryland rice, said the Minister, is different from the paddy rice field methods used in mainland China and other countries. He explained that the Samoan seedlings will be grown in mixed-farming systems without irrigation. “But it’s still a lot of hard work,” he added. “Samoa’s hot and humid climate requires extra work to grow rice.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry plans to launch a national rice growing campaign in October to coincide with the Agricultural Week in Upolu. Chinese experts will demonstrate how to grow the new rice through the Ministry’s Extension Offices in the villages. One of the objectives of the rice development project is to reduce Samoa’s reliance on imported rice.

On that note, the Minister also downplayed predictions that Samoa could be the next rice producer in the region if the government invests in large-scale production of the crop. “At this point, it’s a very long shot but anything is possible.” Le Mamea further commented. (Nanai. T. Laveitiga Tuiletufuga, Savali News)

Aglime produced in Fiji to boost agriculture production

F armers around Fiji can expect increasing yields following the launching of the commercial manufacturing of agricultural lime in Fiji. The Minister for Agriculture, Inia Seruiratu, who personally

launched the product endorsed the Aglime as a soil additive made from pulverised limestone. “The effect of Aglime on soils is that it increases the pH of acidic soil, provides a source of calcium and magnesium for plants, permits improved water penetration for acidic soils and improves the uptake of major plant nutrients of plants growing on acid soils,” Seruiratu said. The Minister added that various studies done in the past on Fiji’s soils have confirmed that most of our local farm soils are acidic and need liming to revitalise and maximise crop yields. “We have noticed that the current soil condition on some key agricultural areas is depleting and productivity is lost,” Minister Seruiratu said. Standard Concrete Limited, the manufacturers of Aglime in collaboration with the Aus Aid Market Development Facility were also commended by the Minister for having the vision and effort for developing a business initiative that would benefit both the company and the farmers from the increasing yields expected after the Aglime application. “This ongoing project would build strong partnership between governments and the private sector in a collaborative effort to solve issues of interest to agricultural development in Fiji,” Seruiratu said. He also pointed out that ‘liming’ can only be practical in Fiji if the farmers know and understand the need for Aglime in their soil to improve their yield. (Source: Islands Business)

Hon. Minister Le Mamea Ropati enthusiastic about the project.

FSTE of USP disclosed plans of offering face-to-face science courses at USP Alafua

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T he team from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) headed by Associate Dean Dr. Bibhya Sharma trooped to Samoa to encourage secondary level students to take up degrees offered by their

faculty. Dr. Sharma also announced USP’s big plan to offer science courses through face-to-face mode starting next year at its Alafua Campus. This is to promote the rhizometric learning approach which USP is currently embarking on as part of the implementation of its Strategic Plan. FSTE has developed new programmes tailored to the needs of the Pacific Region.

The 4-day campaign kicked off on the 10th of September 2013 at the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Auditorium in Pesega. LDS is recognised as an extension campus of USP since it started offering Foundation courses to prepare students for a Bachelor’s degree in Alafua Campus. The opening programme was graced by the CEO of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) of Samoa, Matafeo Falana’ipupu Tanielu Dan AIAFI.

Matafeo admitted that the country needs more science experts to help raise the literacy level of Samoans and emphasised that science is now a priority in the educational system of the country. “ Science is a core subject and teachers need to change the way they teach by letting children discover things outside the classroom.”, he commented. He also commended USP for providing quality science education for the region and producing a lot of scientists who have propelled the economy of the PICs to greater heights.

The FSTE team travelled all the way to the different secondary schools in both Upolu and Savaii Islands to create awareness on the importance of science in everyday lives and encouraged students to be science experts themselves.

Dr. Sharma introducing FSTE to the

students.

CEO of MESC Dan AIAFI providing a very

inspiring message to students.

What’s on CAMPUS

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USP Students’ Association held its 9th Federal Council in Alafua

H eads and representatives of the different student associations of USP from the 12 island

member countries gathered at USP Alafua Campus in Samoa to discuss concerns regarding the welfare of its 20,000 students. This coincided with the 9th Federal Council Meeting from the 9th to 13th September 2013 held bianually. Alafua Campus USPSA President Koini Levy and the Campus Management headed by Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa provided a very welcoming environment to the delegates includ-

ing a sumptuous dinner and culture-filled performances during the 1st day’s Evening programme.

Honourable Tuisugaletauá Ali'imalemanu Sofara Aveau, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, himself a USP alumni, addressed the federal council emphasizing the importance of ICT in today’s world. He also encouraged the council to bring about innovation in job creation through stronger linkage with former students. He also opened up opportunities for student leaders to partake into the democratic processes to bring about more stable political systems and ultimately peace and prosperity among the PICs. “All these affirms your theme for this council meeting, - Leading with Purpose. “ he concluded.

The USP Students’ Association Federal Council Chairperson, Mr. Peter Ifuna’oa thanked the Minister for giving them hope to become better leaders of the region.

Most of the week provided opportunities for the delegates to enhance their leadership and management skills in running their respective organisations. Workshops on financial ethics and budget preparation were facilitated by co-opted member Mr Tevita Tuiloa, and governance by Senior Fellow Dr Drew Allbritten. Dr. Bibhya

Sharma presented the merits of the M-Learning approach.

Each island country representative also reported on their activities and the most common among the issues raised is the need for a better internet service. As of this writing, most of the regional campuses already have an improved KU Band facility which the students appreciated much.

The Student Forum chaired by Ms Renuka Singh provided an avenue for students to raise major issues besetting the student sector. In the same forum, they also learned about what management is doing to address these issues. The event ended with the launching of the three study fales within Alafua Campus to provide conducive-to-study spaces for its students.

Hon. Minister Aveau delivering his

keynote address to the delegates.

Blessing of the student fales with

USPSA Samoa President Koini Levy

cutting the ribbon.

Island theme night for the delegates and guests.

USPSA delegates from all member countries and guests after the

Opening Ceremony.

What’s on CAMPUS ... Continued from p.6 7

Success@USP Online program piloted in Alafua

U SP Alafua became one of the pilot sites for the Success@USP Online Program designed to enhance the flexible learning and teaching skills of students and staff. A full week staggered training of staff and students were held from 16 to 20 September 2013 at USP Alafua Campus facilitated by Neelam Narayan, Instructional Designer and Eroni Racule, Education Technologist. The program is a joint venture of the Cen-tre for Flexible Learning (CFL) and Student Learning Support (SLS) of USP.

The program will be formally implemented before the commencement of next year’s classes. The package contains all the information, materials and resources required by students to successfully complete their studies. Although the program started 4 years ago, initially in print mode, it has evolved into a more accessible online mode.

This pilot run aims to get feedback from potential users for further development of the system. During the sessions, internet coverage became a stumbling block occasionally particularly when accessing hyperlinks. Despite this, the staff and students’ receptivity to the program is very evident. They find the program very interesting and affirmed its value in increasing their success on their studies.

Overall, the Alafua pilot run can be deemed as successful based on feedback and attendance to the sessions. Some students were given recognition for the attention given to the training.

Soil Science practical classes created a positive learning impact

S tudents from the Laucala, Labasa and Tonga campuses of USP who are doing the Soil Science core course through the Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL) mode expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to be given hands-on practical laboratory training to supplement their satellite and

course book learning provided by the Course Coordinator, Dr. Danilo Guinto. The practical classes were conducted by highly experienced Senior Laboratory Technician of USP Alafua, Mr. Hewage Perera.

A total of 26 students from Laucala, and 4 each from Labasa and Tonga campuses benefitted from the practical laboratory classes held 9 to 13 September (Laucala), 16 to 19 September (Labasa) and 23 to 27 September (Tonga).

The School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) encourages all the USP member countries to either send potential

students to Alafua Campus for a face-to-face mode Agriculture degree and take advantage of better learning facilities or increase their Agriculture DFL student numbers to enable a resource-efficient conduct of hands-on laboratory classes in their respective campuses.

Students showing interest on the training program.

Students from Labasa were very happy to have been given hands-on laboratory training.

Students from Fiji who attended the practical sessions.

Samoa Arts Council represented in a global arts and culture conference

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T he President of the Samoa Arts Council (SAC) and USP’s Outreach Coordinator for Polynesia, Allan Alo, provided a strong representation in the recent European Culture Parliament (ECP) 12th Session Conference held at Edinburgh, Scotland from 24 – 26 September, 2013. The conference was done in collaboration with Creative Scotland and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA). SAC

became an official member of IFACCA which enabled its representation to the conference through funding from Creative Scotland.

The three-day conference gathered members of IFACCA with its net-work of Commonwealth country members such as Chile, Samoa, India, Belize, Tanzania, Gambia, Nairobi, Rwanda, New Zealand,

Malaysia, etc. together with ECP countries such as Kosovo, Estonia, United Kingdom, Sweden, Prague, Scotland which gave the conference a more global participation. The participants engaged in roundtable discus-sions, workshops and seminar presentations around the theme of Free-dom of Expression and The Power of Culture in Defining Identity.

Ms Janet Archer, Chief Executive Director of Creative Scotland challenged the participants to open more doors for cross fertilization between creative disciplines, art-forms and between cultures, languages and places with Scotland and other parts of the world.

Narrating his experience, Mr. Alo remarked “With the world’s emphasis on Culture, Arts and Creative Industries, the ECP conference posed an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolution of Culture and the Arts in the Pacific compared to the rest of the world. It was also a great

forum to hear and learn from those of the world agencies. It is essential that we become strong advocates and vocal leaders as we voice our views at international forums and acquire new learning on the development of the Arts and Culture at this critical time.

The team has been proactive in undertaking community participation initiatives through their Farmer Field Schools for vegetables and other crop production. This program started in 2009 and has since demonstrated increasing positive impact to the farming community each year. Evidently, there is increased availability of vegetables and other crops in the local markets. Through this program, the farmers voluntarily increased the acreage devoted to vegetable and other crop production and progressed to improving their farm practices with minimal assistance from the Ministry. MAF initially provided seeds and training to willing participants.The success also created a radar effect with the number of vegetable farmers growing every year. A total of ten villages are now actively participating in the Farmer Field Schools. The successful adoption of the field training schools by the farmers relied heavily on sustained training from sowing to harvest using tested effective approaches and continued monitoring of the farmers’ progress by MAF. This demonstrated the program’s innovative approach which earned them the award apart from its significant contribution to the achievement of organizational, sector and national goals and outcomes.

Outstanding service delivery ... Continued from p2

Allan with some of the

Conference attendees

Allan in a Scottish Kilt at ECP

Allan with CEO IFACCA Ms. Sarah Gardner