By Katalina Siasau
A solar-powered desalination system to provide water for agriculture was launched on Monday, 26 May, at the Nishi Trading Farm, Vaini, Tongatapu, during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This new technology in Tonga aims to combat drought and seawater intrusion on agricultural land.
The deslination process removes salt from the seawater so that it can be used for irrigation on the land.
Supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this project brings together partners from the Australian National University (ANU), Nishi Trading, and Solar Water Solutions Pacific to pilot the use of a solar-powered desalination system for agriculture in Tonga.
The project team has been working with local partners in Tonga to learn how this technology can be deployed across the Pacific region.
“Our focus is on building resilience, not just technology,” says the Project Lead from the ANU Institute, Dr Mona Mahani.
“Working directly with growers is essential to ensure the solutions we develop are useful, affordable, and scalable.”
Nishi Trading, a sustainable farming business in Tonga are excited about the opportunity to explore the long-term benefits and economic viability of using desalination to support agriculture in drought-prone and salt-affected areas.
Managing Director, Minoru Nishi, said that “farmers are struggling to cope with the negative effects of climate change. We have a collective duty to help farmers find solutions to their problems in production through innovation and adoption of sustainable technologies such as solar powered water desalination plants.”
