Overview:
Palau farmers are receiving technical support to manage fruit flies and other agricultural pests as government agencies and development partners work together to strengthen local farming and reduce crop losses.
The Bureau of Environment is working with the Bureau of Agriculture, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Taiwan Technical Mission to strengthen fruit fly and pest control efforts for farmers in Palau.
The agencies are implementing the Fruit Fly Control Project, which provides farmers with technical assistance and practical methods to manage agricultural pests.
In August, project staff and a JICA expert team led by Dr. Mamoru Terayama of Tokyo Metropolitan University visited several farms. The team demonstrated fruit fly management methods, including the use of hydrogel.
The Taiwan Technical Mission also demonstrated physical pest-control methods to help a guava farmer manage weevils and reduce crop damage without relying only on chemical spraying.
Earlier this month, JICA marketing expert Kanae Tsutsumi conducted two workshops focused on helping farmers connect with hotels, restaurants, markets and other potential buyers.
The project aims to reduce pest-related crop losses, improve farmers’ pest-management skills and strengthen market opportunities for locally grown produce.