NZ vegetable seeds donated for Tonga's agricultural recovery [1]
Friday, February 25, 2022 - 19:34
Tonga's disaster recovery effort to re-build its agricultural sector, was assisted by the donation of 1500kg of seeds from New Zealand today.
The vegetable seeds valued at $101,609 were donated by the New Zealand Government to assist Tonga’s recovery following the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunamis in January
NZ Deputy High Commissioner Peter Lund handed over the vegetable seeds to the CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Viliami Manu, at the MAFF Post-harvest facility, Queen Salote wharf this afternoon.
The seeds for 17 vegetable varieties, include long bean, lettuce, sweet pepper, sweet corn, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, watermelon, head cabbage, and radish.
Mr Lund hoped the seeds would play an integral in Tonga’s recovery from the devastation.
“I understand that in longer term the ash from the volcano is productive for the soil, so when it comes together with these seeds it will be reap agricultural benefits and impact food security and food supply in Tonga,” he said.
Dr Manu thanked the New Zealand Government on behalf of the government and people of Tonga for this key assistance in Tonga’s food security.
The seed support was made under the Pacific Seeds for Life (PS4L) an integrated program in the Land Resources Division at SPC funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is implemented by Manaaki Whenua Landcare in partnership with SPC LRD.
Also present was Sione Foliaki the Coordinator of the PS4L Project.