The Taiwan Technical Mission, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, organized a guava cultivation observation meeting for 60 participants at their office in Nausori on Wednesday.
The focus of the event was to provide technical guidance to women from three villages in the Navuakece district of Naitasiri. It also featured insights from experts from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and students from Fiji National University (FNU).
Taiwan Technical Mission expert Pascal Kuo mentioned that the training and field session included topics such as understanding guava fruit, preparation and planting, care, pest and disease management, and harvesting techniques.
“The women learned how to cultivate guava, and with proper management, can achieve sufficient yields to sell at markets and earn profits,” said Mr. Kuo. “This initiative not only fosters the economic independence of women in the community but also contributes to overall community development through small-scale economic improvements, creating a positive cycle.”
Mr. Kuo highlighted that growing guava in the South Pacific islands is quite advantageous due to the favorable climate for tropical and subtropical plants. He noted that the Taiwan Technical Mission has supported more than 50 farmers who cultivate a total of 17 hectares of land, with an average yield of 4.61 tonnes per hectare, leading to an estimated annual operating income of $69,150.
He also mentioned that guava has a high vitamin C content, surpassing that of kiwi fruit, and could fulfill the vitamin C needs for a family of ten daily. “Guava is an excellent business opportunity in Fiji, especially winter-produced fruit, which is known for its superior sweetness,” he added.