Farmers, stakeholders and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways converged at the Koronivia Research Station this morning to witness the launch of a new Kumala Variety and a Cassava Characteristic Booklet.

In launching the new variety called ‘Vanuavatu’, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu said that today is a significant milestone which has been made possible through years of research.

“The release of the new variety of Kumala and the publication of the Cassava Characteristic Booklet represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods and knowledge of our farmers,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“Agriculture is more than an industry in Fiji; it is the heartbeat of our communities, the backbone of our economy, and the foundation of our sustenance. As we navigate challenges such as the negative impacts of climate change, soil degradation, and increasing agro-input costs, the necessity for innovative and resilient crop varieties becomes ever more pressing. Our new crop variety is a testament to our proactive approach to mitigating these challenges,” he added.

“The new variety name “Vanuavatu” has been thoughtfully chosen to embody the resilience, strength, and promise inherent in this new variety. It symbolizes our aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future for our farmers and our communities.”

The Vanuavatu variety is tolerant to drought and therefore can perform well under low rainfall conditions experienced by our farmers in parts of the Western and Northern Divisions. The variety also has high iron content which is suitable to address malnutrition and anaemic conditions experienced by many people within our communities.

Hon. Rayalu extended his heartfelt gratitude to the officers at the Koronivia Research Station who played a role in researching and testing the new variety and ultimately launching it today.

“To the dedicated research staff, who have invested countless hours in the fields and laboratories, and to those farmers who graciously allowed us to establish demonstration and experimental blocks on their farms, I would like to thank you for your invaluable support and contributions,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“My gratitude and appreciation to the research team behind the Cassava Characteristic Booklet. Your meticulous work in documenting the characteristics of the thirty-three (33) cassava varieties in our Research Plant Genetic Resource Fields across Fiji is commendable and crucial for the future of our agricultural research and practice.”

The Ministry to date has released 12 varieties of Kumala making this the 13th. All these varieties have different characteristics such as colour, nutrient content, shapes, and growing conditions to name a few.

Kumala can be grown in a diverse soil condition and harvested within 3 to 4 months’ time. It is recently been seen to be used as flour and chips and sold in commercial outlets.

The “Cassava Characteristic Booklet” has been produced to assist farmers, students, extension officers, and the industry in correctly identifying the different cassava varieties.

Hon. Rayalu added that it will serve as a crucial information tool, empowering users to make informed decisions and safeguarding the future of cassava production.

“Researchers, too, will benefit greatly from this booklet in their future breeding activities.”

Hon. Rayalu concluded by saying that the introduction of the new “Vanuavatu” kumala variety and the launch of the Cassava Characteristic booklet reflects our commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of agricultural knowledge in Fiji.

“These initiatives signify a significant step forward in our journey towards a more secure and prosperous agricultural sector.”

Research on the Vanuavatu variety began in 2012 through vigorous trials and demonstrations. The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will continue to work towards enhancing agriculture research in a bid to grow a sustainable agriculture well into the future.

-ENDS-

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