In Fiji, FAO Director-General visits sugar cane farms and China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center for mushroom cultivation

Nadi, Fiji - As part of his official visit to Fiji, where he opened the SIDS Solutions Forum 2024, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visited sugar cane farms and the China-Pacific Islands Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center for mushroom cultivation, which uses a type of grass rather than the traditional logs or sawdust as a base.

Accompanied by Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways of Fiji, Tomasi N. Tunabuna, the Director-General visited two sugar cane farms. The first is run by 77-year-old Mr Kaniappa, who received a new lease on the farm and was able to harvest 167 tonnes in 2024. To maximize his farm output, he planted 0.8 ha in 2024, intercropped with watermelon and beans, improving both food and income security.

The FAO Delegation visited a second farm, operated by Sanjay Nandan, a computer technician and graphic designer by profession. He started sugar cane farming 15 years ago and has

innovatively adopted an integrated mixed farming system, raising sheep, ducks, chickens, goats and cows. In addition, he maintains a blanket trash cover contributing to climate change mitigation strategies.

The Director-General emphasized the importance of establishing and refining a comprehensive mechanism that includes policies, production, storage, and logistics, aiming to standardize this mechanism for broader application. He also highlighted the need to enhance government information sharing and transparency to boost productivity while maintaining product quality.

The Director-General also visited the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center, which shows how mushrooms can be cultivated using a type of grass as a base instead of using the traditional logs or sawdust.

Juncao is an innovative agricultural technology introduced by China, enabling the sustainable cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms. It has been successfully implemented in Fiji, where it has enhanced food security, created jobs and contributed to climate resilience. Additionally, Juncao is effective in addressing soil erosion, supporting traditional agriculture and empowering women and youth.

The Director-General highlighted the Juncao Center as a valuable tool for advancing food security and rural development and acknowledged its significant role in generating employment, tackling environmental challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture.

He expressed strong support for enhanced regional collaboration, emphasizing that initiatives like the China-Pacific Juncao Technology Demonstration Center in Fiji can boost resilience and improve livelihoods across Pacific Island communities.