Drip irrigation system to benefit farmers
A EUROPEAN Union-funded project will result in Nasau villagers on Koro Island no longer having to purchase chemical fertiliser.
Facilitated by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), a new piggery, and drip irrigation system is providing organic fertiliser and irrigating their farms to boost production.
The initiative was part of the Learning Environmental Adaptation for Development (LEAD) by the civil society organisations project.
Setareki Komainuku, a beneficiary of the LEAD project, is the largest producer of eggplant on the island and earns close to $300 on a weekly basis.
He also grows and sells chillies to Punjas & Sons Ltd for their chilli sauce products.
“From the lessons learnt, most of us have established our own farms and sell our produce to generate income – not only on the island but also by establishing a market in Viti Levu,” he said.
Nasau villager Eroni Rasava said the new piggery and the drip irrigation system had assisted them in fertilising their farms sustainably.
He said waste from the piggery was mixed with water in a tank and piped to supply water to individual rows of crops on farms.
Mr Rasava said the system allowed them to simultaneously irrigate and fertilise their farms, making them more efficient and sustainable.
“Sourcing fertiliser from Viti Levu is very expensive, with the piggery we are able to have a more environmental friendly manure and it is free.
“Also, the plants are healthier and we are happy because we are contributing positively to the environment with our green manure.”
The LEAD project has worked with more than 100 food security and livelihood cluster members, 20 government officials and 14 communities on the island, providing support to 885 households and 3187 individuals.
Sourcing fertiliser from Viti Levu is very expensive, with
the piggery we are able to have a more environmental friendly manure
and it is free. Also, the plants are healthier and we are
happy ...
– Eroni Rasava