With an aim to continue passing down yam and taro planting skills to the younger generation, the Fiji Rotuman Farmers Association held its annual association’s root crop show and competition on Saturday.

The St Marcellin Primary School grounds was a hive of activity with the competition making a comeback after a lapse of two years due to the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

Association President Patrick Veu said they were happy to gather again this year to hold the competition.

Eighteen farmers from the seven districts of Rotuma took part in the competition.

The yam and taro competition was held coinciding with the Rotuma Day Celebrations.

Mr Veu said the association sold tickets for access into the competition area where they were able to raise funds to award farmers with incentives and for the winners of the competition too.

“We had 12 varieties of dalo and I think about seven varieties of yams that were on display for the competition,” he said.

“These yams and dalo were then distributed to those that purchased the tickets, we had then distributed to close to 200 people that purchased tickets.

“The farmers live within Nausori, Suva and Navua.”

He said they hoped to pass on the tradition of root crop farming to the younger generation to ensure food security.

He added that the heaviest yam on the day was close to 140kg.

“It was a good day where we came together and met with family. An opportunity to reunite too especially after coming out from the pandemic.”

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