Vanuatu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has held a two-day training on citrus grafting or budding for farmers in North Efate.
Over 20 key men and women farmers in Paunangisu and Eton villages had the opportunity to learn how to plant citrus trees and increase production, especially Tahitian lime as the future looks bright in terms of market opportunity.
The citrus grafting training was facilitated by DARD’s Fruit and Spices Officer, Fernand Massing, assisted by AAO Keith Amos.
The training included theory and practical sessions.
Most of the famers who attended the training have engaged in planting Tahitian lime and others were interested to start planting.
Ian Serel is one of the key farmers in Epau village who has been involved in planting citrus for many years.
He has established a citrus nursery and other farmers around Efate access seedlings from him.
DARD has been involving him in various trainings around Efate to share his experience with other farmers.
“I have assisted many farmers from East Efate, starting from Epule to Eton village to do grafting and assisting them set up their nursery.
“Todays’ training provides an opportunity for new farmers who are interested to plant Tahitian lime and other citrus seedlings.
“I am happy to assist the farmers in the practical session to show them how to craft a citrus seedling.”
Helen Espel Kai said is happy to see that more female farmers are attending such trainings.
“This is the second training that I have attended on citrus grafting. The first training I attended saw only a few women participating.
Kai said, “One of the new information I gained today is grafting of other fruit trees like mango and especially flowers using the same grafting techniques of grafting citruses.
“One of the challenges is the tools that we need to do grafting and poly bags to start our nursery.”
Amos has assured the farmers that attended the training that poly bags will be distributed to them.
Grafting knives were given to the farmers after the training.
Photo supplied Caption: Epau and Eton farmers at the training