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COLLEGE OF MICRONESIA

LAND GRANT PROGRAM
Contact us: (691) 3202462/2728
P.O Box 1179 Kolonia,Pohnpei FM 96941
  • COLLEGE OF MICRONESIA LAND GRANT PROGRAM
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News from land grants

High efficiency protocols developed for in vitro multiplication of banana, sweet potato and taro, and produced elite seedlings on mass-scale

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher/Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

Tissue cultured banana plants.
Tissue cultured banana plants.

Apical meristem and lateral buds proved best for the establishment of aseptic cultures of banana, sweet potato and taro. Specific surface sterilization methods have been developed for particular explants. Various plant growth regulators, media composition and culture conditions have also been standardized for establishment of aseptic cultures and multiplication. Acclimatization techniques were standardized for the hardening of plantlets. High efficiency protocols have been developed for rapid multiplication and production of elite seedlings on mass-scale for different varieties of banana, sweet potato and taro. Participants knowledge and skills about micropropagation and nursery management techniques have been increased through collection and review of related literature; experimentation on micropropagation and conservation;  establishment of nursery management system; development of high efficiency  multiplication protocols; production of elite seedlings on mass-scale;  showcase of new varieties; and organization of training workshops.  Developed high efficiency multiplication protocols and nursery management systems have been utilized to produce elite seedlings of banana, taro and sweet potato in bulk quantity. Distribution of elite seedlings in bulk quantity has enabled local farmers to cultivate food crops on larger scales and therefore, has resulted in increased agricultural production.  Many youths and adults have started establishing their farms and are cultivating different varieties of banana, taro and sweet potato. The extension activities have improved knowledge, created awareness and developed skills of participants in sustainable agriculture systems. The project activities have made extension agents capable of organizing trainings, teaching farmers and providing technical assistance, and apply gained knowledge and skills in the field. Ultimately the project has developed positive attitudes, zeal for learning techniques and farming aspects, and has changed the behavior of the participants. Harvested bananas and taro were showcased during the State Agriculture Fair and were awarded with the first prize for banana/taro category.

Training for black pepper farmers on Pohnpei

POHNPEI, FSM.  Kazuo Ishikawa, Cooperator, Japan Volunteer.

Eighty-five percent of world black pepper production is from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil, 14% is from South Asia, Madagascar, Sri-Lanka, China, and Costa Rica. Pohnpei accounts for less than 1%.

black-pepper-workshop-participants
Workshop on black pepper attracts farmerss.

Pohnpei Cooperative Extension agents (CES) became involved in the project with only 38 existing black pepper farms.  There are now 155 farmers with an estimated crop value of $500,000 per year.   Extension agents were continued activities for the black pepper cultivation and production in Pohnpei Island by developing and airing radio programs for public awareness and by conducting demonstrations on black pepper cultivation techniques in communities around the island. Twice a month agents visit pepper farms around the island to conduct demonstrations on planting pepper, fertilizing, pruning methods, and other recommended activities.

CES staff advises new farmers on selecting farm sites, selecting fern posts as support for black pepper, and field layout. Agents encourage all pepper growers to apply more compost to improve soil fertility. CES agents identify and work with farmers who are willing and able to produce planting materials for sale and distribution.  CES staff members also conducted a survey of all pepper farms to assess individual farms in term of number of vines of different ages in the field.

A three-day workshop on black pepper production was recently completed at Pohnpei CRE facility.

Class attendees watch how to safely operate a chipper.
Class attendees watch how to safely operate a chipper.

Second day workshop was conducted in the community of Pihs madolenihmw, 19 farmers participated in the compost practice.  Before the practice extension agents explained the purpose, the importance and benefit of compost to soil and the environment.  Agents demonstrated how to start the chipper engine, advised the local materials needed, and the compost methods.