Farmers from the six provinces of Vanuatu are among a group of participants learning new skills on open pollinated seed production that will benefit the agriculture sector.
Director Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vanuatu said 'This training is unique and brings together our hard working farmers from all six provinces of Vanuatu to help develop the vegetable and fruits sector to enhance seed production in Vanuatu.'
The training supports Vanuatu's Agriculture Sector Policy and Vanuatu's National Fruits and Vegetables Strategy (2017 - 2028) and the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Seed for Life Initiative.
The Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity (MALFFB) in collaboration with the SPC EU IntraAPP Agriculture Policy Programme and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) SPC Integrated Crop Management project are assisting Vanuatu farmers, Industries and private sector to enhance their skills on Open Pollinated Seed Production.
The objective of the technical training is to strengthen the training skills and knowledge of extension officers and lead farmers, on proper seed production, recognise and manage pest, diseases, and the importance of healthy soils.
This knowledge is vital for farmers to be able to increase the production of their key target crops and better equipped to meet the quality expectations of vegetable and fruit market consumers.
These will contribute to improving the quality of seed locally produced, is a fundamental starting point for agricultural productivity, food security and post disaster recovery.
Photo Facebook PIRAS. Caption: Participants at the Open Pollinated Seed Production workshop in Port Vila, Vanuatu