AFTER a six years lapse, the Tongatapu's Royal Agriculture, Fisheries and Industries Show returns with abundant displays of traditional Tongan foods, beautiful handmade handicrafts as well as seafood fish at the Manamou'i Grounds at 'Atele from
October 14-15.

The show organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, opened by HRH Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho and attended by the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, coincides with the World Food Day today, under the theme "Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability".

Over 500 individuals, village groups, and women groups registered to join the show.

Last held in 2004, the Tongatapu Royal Agricultural Show was a regular event for Tonga and was an opportunity for the primary sector to promote and encourage itself.

The Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano acknowledged the efforts by individuals, village groups, women and businesses who took part in the show.

He said that the show was important to everyone and an important sector for the development of our economy. He noted the need for everyone to work together in order to develop Tonga to reduce our reliance on imports.

"Government supports the work by the villages and its people in utilising our land responsibly so that we not only develop Tonga but also ensure food security in Tonga free from hunger and sickness," he said.

Export marketing

Princess Nanasipau'u said there was abundant food in Tonga evident at Talamahu Market in central Nuku'alofa and other markets throughout Tonga.

But she noted in regards to produce there was a vital need for an independent body to be set up to work between the farmers and markets so that the farmer could sell his/her produce to them for export to overseas markets.

"At present it is only the farmers who negotiate markets for their produce and take out loans to export their produce, and some even travel abroad to make sure they are delivered. This burden should be alleviated." The princess hoped that government stepped in to work together to open doors for markets for Tongan produce.

Subsistence farming

The Minister of Agriculture Lord Vaea said this is the second show in Tonga; the first was held in 'Eua last month, with two more shows in Vava'u and Ha'apai later in the year.

The intention was to acknowledge the World Food Day beginning with a Food Summit held at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre earlier this week. The show continues tonight, October 14 and tomorrow.

He said because of the increasing high food prices and of imported products the show acknowledged the need for Tonga to return to the roots of subsistence farming and fishing. The show provided an opportunity for farmers and those participating to promote their produce.

A Church service will be held at the Centenary Church in Nuku'alofa on Sunday, October 16 to mark the event and the conclusion of the Royal Agricultural show.