The Namulomulo Yam and Cassava Demonstration Farm in Nadi was made possible through the sheer determination of Vonivate Tawase who decided that it was time to revive yam farming for his fellow kinsmen in Nawaka Village.

The dedicated entrepreneur worked tirelessly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to utilise quarter acre of his land as the demonstration site for a few varieties of yam and cassava.

The first ever yam and cassava demo plot for Nawaka is using an integrated nutrient management farming system which addresses productivity, quality, sustainability and food security using organic, inorganic and biological amendments like compost and bacterium culture.

Tui Nawaka, Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi Naevo launched the demonstration site yesterday and encouraged the people of Nawaka and Fiji as a whole to invest in farming.

“We have so much under utilised land and it is time that we get up and work the land. This demonstration site by a son of Nawaka is a classic example of what can be achieved if we work hard and invest our time in farming,” said Ratu Naevo.

“We need to learn from this demonstration site and replicate it in our respective mataqali land. Nawaka was indeed well known for yam farming by our elders back in the day and Mr. Tawase has revived yam planting again to show us that it is possible.”

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu thanked the Tui Nawaka for his message of encouragement and awareness on the need for yam farming revival.

“Yams continue to make an important contribution to nutrition and food security in Fiji and the Pacific islands. I must commend Mr Tawase in investing his wealth and time into the revival of this traditional root crop,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“I am told that this demonstration site will also be supplying interested farmers with planting materials and I encourage you all to assist in the ministry’s efforts of growing the agriculture sector. Yams is a good source of food and income security and we must continue to keep the traditions of yam farming alive,” stressed Hon. Rayalu.

Yams are a high value food that are easily grown and matures quickly in the right soil conditions.

Unlike most other tropical root crops, yams exhibit good storage qualities and may be harvested well in advance of eating. The shelf life of tubers and planting materials is long as they can be stored for 3 – 6 months. Most varieties of yams require a minimum 6-month growing season and do not tolerate poorly drained soils or waterlogging.

-ENDS-

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