In its effort to restock kava production in Vanuatu, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is further promoting a model of intercropping of banana and kava.
Last month farmers in Vanuatu were assisted with kava seedlings and nurseries as part of a project to boost kava production in Vanuatu.
About 200 additional kava plants of the 'Palarasul' noble variety from Santo were introduced into a banana collection of more than 5 local varieties.
A partnership between DARD and Malapoa College is also helping students to learn intercropping techniques.
Year 13 students of Malapo College joined DARD last Friday to learn the model of intercropping and its value in economic terms.
DARD also shared the idea of cultivating kava and using the returns for school fees with the students.
The acting Director General of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Bio-security sectors, Benjamin Shing was also part of the team promoting banana and kava intercropping system at Tagabe Farm.
Kava exports in quantity increased by 26% or 77 tonnes in March quarter of 2017 from 300 tonnes in March quarter 2016.
To help the farmers, DARD is helping farmers with planting materials, poly bags, and nursery materials to growers with available land to establish kava nurseries and boost kava production.
Photo: DARD Facebook
