Irrigation systems for Tongan crops has become a new priority, after a drought in the Pacific last year affected a trial project of planting Zeamays, or different types of corn (Maize) in Tonga

The trail of the crops was intended to look at the possibility of small-hold farming in Tonga to use the maize as protein feed for poultry and pigs.

A variety of Zeamays were planted in July 2015 by the Nishi Trading Company and by October the harvest was successful especially for sweet corn, however the drought arrived and there was no rain for the remainder of the year.

The project, funded by the Brother International (NZ) Limited, aims to contribute to eco-farming or climate smart agriculture if feasible.

In February the Pacific Cooperation Foundation reported that although the drought raises concerns for the trial, Brother has agreed to continue to invest in the project and will look into irrigation systems to alleviate the drought season over the next three months.

The PCF’s Chief Executive, Laulu Mac Leauanae, met with the Executive Chairman from Brother and other key stakeholders to review the project.

“Brother realises what needs to be done for the trial to be truly effective, and wants to make sure everything is done properly to help make it work,” he said.

After meeting with Tonga’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries, Semisi Fakahau, to discuss the current situation of the project Laulu said the Tongan government is looking to expand small-holder, “so if growing Zeamays is feasible, it will gift farmers with protein (pigs or poultry) and encourage farmers to grow their own maize – meaning the product is better,” said Laulu.

The trial crops will be harvested until July 2016.