BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Plans to document original Taro species in central and east Kwaraa’e are ongoing at Gwaunafiu farming school in Malaita Province.
Two weeks ago, Gwaunafiu Farmers School sent out one of its working teams, mostly youths to central and east Kwaraa’e aimed at collecting the original Kwaraa’e taro species.
Lesly Sanga, Gwaunafiu Farmers School Farm coordinator said the activity is supported by SPC under the Kiwa PEBACC+ Project conducted through the Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network.
“That is one of the activities going on at Gwaunafiu. The idea is to bulk or plant the taro species at one location. The reason why we are serious about collecting the species is to document the taros while we do the bulking since most of the original species start to lose,’’ said Sanga.
He said that under the process, taro species are collected, transported to the school, and planted.
“During the planting process farmer started to documentation, recording the dates the taro is planted, recording their names and other vital information as far as harvesting period is concerned,’’ said Sanga.
“We are at the planting stage at the moment. So, their colors are recorded, and what soil type is favorable for the species. In that way it will ensure we keep track of its harvesting periods which can also help out in food security,’’ he said.
He also mentions other activities under the project that the Gwaunafiu Farmers School is anticipating to undertake apart from taro species project documentation.
“There are a lot of activities and we are looking at about seven of them to engage in. We prioritize taro because it is one of our traditional foods. Apart from taro we also engage in planting native food trees which is also inside of the plan. This includes Ngalinut, breadfruit that can help in terms of food security,’’ he said.
Mr. Sanga also appealed to local farmers around the country to stay focused on the cash crop they are engaging in instead of jumping from one crop to another.
He said that most farmers are seasonal farmers who opt to move from one crop to another depending on the situation.
“For example, in cocoa, when the price goes up, farmers put more effort and leave out other cash crops. I think the best option for farmers is to stay focused on whatever cash crops we have and maintain them instead of jumping from one to the other,’’ he said.
“Because on the day of the day, those crops are our important cash crops. I believe in agriculture but we need to get to know these crops, what are their benefit, and how important they are given the fact that climate change is also one of the threats to agriculture.
So, the important thing is for us to focus and understand these crops in the face of climate change crises. because as long as we understand these crops we know what to do,’’ said Sanga.
