At the invitation of Sonsorol state governor Mrs. Laura Miles, Mr. Jeffrey Lin of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), Ms. Bernice Sidoi of the Bureau of Agriculture (BOA) and Mr. Hartman Ybelmar from TTM‘s demonstration farm, made a trip to Sonsorol island from January 11 to 16. The purpose of the trip was to provide agricultural related services to help local farmers to overcome the challenges of saline and sandy soil to grow vegetables and fruits.
Though taro, bananas and coconuts can easily be grown on the island, but the strong wind and saline sandy soil inhibit the growth of vegetables, leaving Sonsorol people with limited access to healthy diet.
The team led by Mr. Lin surveyed the agricultural environment, tested soil and water pH value, analyzed soil properties, and inspected existing crop growing situation all around the island. Most of the lands are salinated but they managed to identify some possible cultivable sites.
The team then organized a workshop for fruit and vegetable cultivation and compost making. Participants learned how to cultivate land, manage appropriate sunlight, keep off from strong wind, and make good drainage. They also learned how to make organic compost and liquid fertilizer by using available resources on the island, such as deciduous, dried branches, coconut fiber, rotten trunk, kitchen or fish waste to be mixed, heap for a period of time to decompose. Pest and disease control were also taught at the workshop.
With close collaboration between TTM and BOA, and the aspiration of the locals, the farming on sandy soil is possible. Governor Laura Miles expressed her deep appreciation for the assistance from the team to help achieve the goal of food security for the people of Sonsorol state.
Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau has been dedicated to enhancing agricultural development for more than 3 decades. It operates a demonstration farm in Nekken, Aimeliik, and administer a number of programs. These programs include taro seedling production, taro varieties preservation, school farming program, school lunch vegetable supplement, and agricultural techniques consultation. This year TTM will hold a workshop every month for farmers from each state, offering courses regarding farm designing and management, preparing vegetable and fruit seedlings, plant cultivation and management, plant pest and disease control, and organic compost making.
All agencies and organizations interested in farming training are welcome to contact TTM at 4886557, 5441012, 7796575, 7782318, or call Taiwan Embassy at 4888150.
Conducted the workshop for fruit and vegetable cultivation and compost making.
Guidance to the preparation of land.
Inspection and guidance for Residents' farm and home garden.
Participants attend workshop.
