The
REAP Report Tu anga Tanutanu (Agriculture)
This
essay is an abridged version of Form 4T students of Nukutere
College, Rarotonga Cook Islands, based on their findings and
points of view on Agriculture and as posted on UNESCO Small
Islands Voice Youth Internet website.
In
the 1960's agriculture was the backbone of the Cook Islands;
in the 70's our industry started to decrease. When agriculture
collapsed tourism became the number one earning revenue. Today
more than $50 million dollars worth of foodstuffs is imported
each year. Pawpaw is our biggest export with nono (noni) in
second place. Hydro-ponics is now being adopted into the outer
islands and is a good way of supplying fresh fruits and vegetables
especially to islands like Pukapuka in the northern group where
the soil is not good for planting. Using this method of agriculture
enables people to have access to fresh vegetables and fruits
instead of importing from Rarotonga which increases their cost.
We
believe that more support from the government is needed for
local agricultural industries especially those that are struggling
to compete against imported products. Also, that parents should
contribute to helping young ones learn more and understand agriculture
and how important it is. Hydroponic gardens should be available
to also help young ones, agriculture should be taught in school
as well as home, even if there is only a small garden.
Agriculture
will not flourish if it is not encouraged and supported by the
government and the people. What agriculture is about and all
that is connected with agriculture should be taught to young
people so they know that being involved in agriculture will
not limit them to just planting but actually studies like horticulture,
crop protection, agriculture education, etc. Young people will
not take up agriculture if they do not understand it fully.
They also will not take up agriculture until they are certain
with the stability of agricultural industries and that they
will receive a sufficient profit.
We
deeply suggest that schools have access to their own hydroponic
garden. Our young people today reject agriculture and greet
technology. With hydroponics as a mix of agriculture and technology
- plus the fact that you would not get dirty - available in
schools young people would become more interested. Hydroponic
gardens available in schools, will increase knowledge of students
on agriculture, increase their interest in it, and most certainly
increase future agricultural industries here in the Cook Islands.
Open encouragement and support from the government, community
and families will help in the increase of interest from young
people on agriculture.
Today,
agriculture imported products are greater than what is exported
but maybe in the near future agriculture will be fully understood
by everyone and how it can contribute to our education and our
country's future.
Nukutere
College - Form 4T Students (ages 13-14)
Editors: Mercedes Makiuti, Kara Macfarlane, Desmond Wildin,
McBirney Ama. Special thanks to our fellow students, Mrs. Sanderson-
English teacher & Ministry of Agriculture.
Cook Islands News 25th March 2003
