Residents of four districts in Samoa – Gaga’emauga II, Aiga i le Tai (on April 22), Alataua i Sisifo, and Vaisigano I – recently celebrated their first harvest of the year, with farmers reporting a bountiful yield of crops.
In Gaga’emauga II, the village of Fagamalo had their first harvest of taro, bananas, and other root crops after months of hard work. Gaga’emauga II first harvest event included the distribution of printers and laptops to district church ministers as part of the million-dollar initiative to the district.
Similarly, the first harvest in Aiga i le Tai district showcased a diverse range of crops, fruits, plants, and other produce. The Uluai Seleselega of Aiga i le Tai expressed gratitude towards the district’s farmers and urged them to continue to work the land and sea.
In the picturesque village of Neiafu Uta, located in the Alataua i Sisifo district, a bountiful first harvest was celebrated. The villagers proudly displayed their wide variety of crops, including coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, papayas, and pineapples. The Ulua’i Seleselega of Alataua i Sisifo expressed gratitude to the community for their hard work and dedication to farming, which has resulted in such a successful harvest.
Vaisigano I celebrated their first harvest on April 29, marking a successful start to the district’s agricultural initiative. The district showcased an array of crops, including taro, bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, papaya and a vast expanse of produce. In attendance were the Ulua’i Seleselega of Vaisigano I and various government officials who praised the district’s commitment to agriculture and its potential to boost the local economy.
It’s worth noting that two years ago, when the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party came into power, each district in Samoa was offered a million dollars for district projects that would benefit local communities. While it’s unclear how much of the funds have been allocated so far, the recent first-harvest celebrations in several districts are a testament to the positive impact of this initiative on local agriculture and farming communities.
The first harvest is a significant event in Samoa, and the successful yield is a cause for celebration for the communities in these three districts. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the farmers, and it is hoped that this success will continue throughout the year.