YAP, FSM. Dr. Murukesan Krishnapillai, Researcher/Extension Specialist
COM-FSM Yap Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE) staff and Agriculture students participated in the 48th Annual Yap celebrations held at Makiy, between February 29 and March 1, 2016.
Yap Day is the biggest cultural celebration in Yap. This annual two-day event is accompanied with various cultural performances including traditional dances, traditional attire displays, stories, tattoo displays, stone money carrying, log pulling, cultural education activities, besides various stalls displaying a variety of traditional handicrafts and food items.
Yap CRE participated in the event and displayed family farming and urban gardening models, and low-cost food production systems. As it is customary, students and staff at the booth were dressed in traditional attire and promoted the importance of various local farm produce. A variety of vegetables from the CRE demonstration gardens and USDA-OAO OASDVFR Program clients were on display and sale. This includes kale, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, spinach, head cabbage, celery, bell pepper, spring onion and seedlings of eggplant, papaya, tomatoes and cucumbers. Backyard poultry farming is one of the priority areas of Yap CRE program and locally produced eggs from USDA-OAO OASDVFR Program clients’ farms were also on sale through this booth. Staff and students at the booth did their very best to give needed information to plant healthy vegetables at home and in the community.
The variety of leafy vegetables and the many growing systems on display received acclaim from many off-island visitors. Yap CRE is an active promoter of integrated family farming for food and nutrition security. Family farming is a way of life with a future and is the best way to ensure islands’ food security. It guarantees food in a sustainable manner while taking care of islands’ environment and respecting traditions and cultures. Please enjoy some images from the event!
CRE staff pose in front of the booth.
Chinese cabbage in grow box.
Chinese cabbage in grow box.
YAP CRE booth.
Cucumber plant in growbag with stand-alone trellis.
Head cabbage in polybags.
A view of garden produce from a youth group.
Locally-grown eggs.
Blue kale in polybags.
Tim Bigelow, a successful poultry farmer (right) and OASDVFR Program Client discusses with Steven Young Uhk, CRE Coordinator (left).
Veggies from OASDVFR Program clients gardens