A cooperative agricultural program between China and Tonga is revolutionizing food production, aiming to address nutrition challenges and the impacts of climate change.
Since 2009, Chinese agricultural specialists have shared expertise to improve farming efficiency in Tonga. At their operations facility in Vaini, workers utilize advanced breeding techniques to produce larger pigs capable of feeding more people.
“We always promote the practical technology,” said Tang Hui Wong, Team Leader of the China Aid Technology Cooperation Project.
Tonga faces severe climate challenges, including increased flooding and cyclones, which hamper crop production.
A heavy reliance on processed foods has increased health issues, with diabetes and heart disease accounting for four out of five deaths, according to Viliami Manu, CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests.
The program includes greenhouse farming, improved crop production, and biogas systems using pig waste for energy and fertiliser.
Simana Kami, owner of Oholei Beach Resort, adopted biogas for his operations.
“For one house, I save $150 a month. For three houses, that’s $450 saved over 1 month,” Kami said.
Officials hope more farmers will embrace sustainable practices. “I thought this would be the future of farming here in Tonga,” said Manu, expressing optimism about the program’s impact.
