To be self sufficient in food and Livestock production

To be self sufficient in food and Livestock production

Research Division Work Programme PDF Print E-mail

1. Nursery Activities

  • Propagation of Various Fruit Tree Species and Varieties such as; Citrus, Mangoes, Avocados, Macadamia, Litchis, Annonas, Passionfruit, and Bananas for sale to the general public for commercial and subsistence use.
  • Propagation of Fruit, Vegetable; and Root Crops for research and trial purpose.

2. Tractor Service

  • Provision of tractor service to farmers and the general public to assist with land preparation for crop production and management purposes. This includes activities such as; Ploughing, Slashing, Discing, Furrowing, Ripping, Rotovating, and Post hole digging.

3. Pest and Disease Management

  • Provision of assistance through advice on the best management strategies for insect and diseases on various Fruit, Vegetable, and Root Crops.
  • Regular Update of the Pacific Pest List Database.
  • Monitoring of the Biological Control Programmes on the Agonoxena argaula Coconut Flat Moth.
  • Monitoring of traps set-up on Rarotonga to determine whether or not the Rhinocerous Beetle is present on the island. This follows the observation of typical rhinocerous beetle damage on coconut leaves earlier in the year.
  • Continuation in the monitoring to determine whether the Giant African Snail (GAS) is present on Rarotonga following the interception of seven adult GAS in an aircraft container in September 2005.
  • Investigation into the Effect of Mulching with Canola and Plastic; Chemical Sprays, and Hilling on Root and Fruit Rot of the Waimanalo Papaya.

4. Plant Genetic Resources

  • Introduction and evaluation of Plant Genetic Resources of Taro, Sweet Potatoes, Bananas, Yams, and Cassava from the Regional Germplasm Collection Centre, Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
  • Management of Plant Genetic Resources Collection for future research and public use.
  • Distribution of Plant Genetic Resources to farmers and the general public for Food Security purposes.

5. Fruit Trees Development Project

  • Evaluation of various Fruit Tree Species and Varieties from Queensland, Australia. If these are found to be successful under our soil and climatic conditions, further propagation will be done for distribution to the general public for purpose of Commercial and Subsistence production.

6. Maire Development Project.

  • Evaluation on the growth performance of Maire Alyxia elliptica on loamy soils on Mauke Island.

7. Organic Farming

  • Assist organic farmers or those willing to engage in the practice in areas of soil improvement, and pest and disease management.

8. Extension Service

  • Assist farmers, and the general public alike in Crop Production, Pest and Disease Management, Crop and Soil Nutrition, and Harvesting and Post-harvest problems.