Photos by Linny Folau and Eleanor Gee

Tonga's King Tupou VI  urged Tongatapu farmers to be more aware of the environmental impacts from the use of pesticides and chemicals, polluting the underground water supply, when the king opened the Tongatapu Royal Agriculture, Fisheries and Tonga-Made Show on Saturday, July 29 at the Funga-Mana-Mo’ui Grounds in ‘Atele.

Accompanied by Queen Nanasipau’u, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala, the King addressed the opening event, before inspecting abundant displays of traditional food crops, seafood, along with beautifully woven traditional handmade handicrafts and mats, local products and services, and livestock. 

He said that Tongatapu has the most land for farming of more than 60,000 acres, with 73% of the population living in Tongatapu, and half of them residing in the capital Nuku’alofa.

Tongatapu is the first to experience modern farming methods and new livestock from overseas as well as the introduction to modern equipment, fertilizers.

But out of all the islands, the farmers in Tongatapu are less likely to carry out traditional farming using mixed cropping methods, planting a number of food crops. Instead, they plant single food crops like Fijian tapioca, which lasts longer, or the Hawaiian sweet potatoes because it has stronger resilience and makes good money at the market.

The King said it seems the farmers in Tongatapu prioritize more the generation of profit but are not mindful of the environmental impacts from the use of pesticides and chemicals, polluting the underground water.

He advised farmers in Tongatapu to use wise farming practices for farming and thanked the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers, fishermen, and all those who took part to make the Show possible.

The King presented prizes and trophies to winners in various categories, including best in farming and livestock.

Women from Tongatapu villages showcased their beautiful tapa cloths, fine woven mats, handicrafts and traditional dancing for the Royal Family.

The King earlier in the month opened the annual shows in Niuatoputapu, Niuafo'ou, Vava'u, Ha’apai and 'Eua.