THE Fiji National University hosted its first ever Yam Show at its campus in Natabua last week.
This was done in order to highlight the importance of food security and conserve traditional planting methods in Fiji.
The staff of the University who were part of the food security and wellness club showcased the need to plant resilient crops such as yams, and shared their indigenous knowledge about yam planting to the students and staff.
FNU Tutor Emonli Lebaivalu described yam as the kind of the crop and has special significance in the iTaukei calendar where people observe and practice different rituals from the planting to the harvesting.
Most indigenous iTaiukei growers refer to the Fijian calendar about the best months for planting and harvesting and also maintaining sustainable practice related to yam”.
“Some skilful yam farmers believe that yam can be planted all year round from January to December. Others have reasons to differ- choosing the best month for planting for certain occasions,” said the yam show winner.
Ten staff who are part of the club displayed their harvest and winning Philippine White’s yam weighed about 68Kg and was only planted eight months ago.
