Cooperative Research and Extension Conducted Vegetable Cultivation Training in Kosrae
By: Steven Young-Uhk
Between June 10 and 14, 2024, the College of Micronesia-FSM Kosrae Campus hosted an impactful training program on vegetable cultivation methods. The event, organized by two extension staff from Yap Cooperative Research and Extension, brought together 51 participants, including farmers, extension personnel, college staff, and representatives from various government departments.
The comprehensive lecture cum training program covered essential topics such as container gardening, media preparation using coconut husk, seed germination, transplanting, and nutrient management. Given the abundance of coconuts on the islands, using coconut husks as planting media was highlighted as an effective way to repurpose this byproduct. This combination of container gardening and coconut husk media offers farmers several benefits, including increased space efficiency, improved water retention, better control over soil quality in containers, and utilization of a readily available and sustainable resource.
Following the lecture sessions, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations and training. These practical sessions covered various stages of planting media preparation, from shredding coconut husks to mixing them with chicken manure and applying fertilizers. A special session was also dedicated to the operational procedures and safety precautions for using the shredder, ensuring participants could handle the equipment safely and effectively.
A highlight of the training was the opportunity for participants to apply their newly acquired skills by transplanting Chinese Cabbage seedlings into polybags. This practical exercise allowed them to implement their knowledge and gain confidence in their abilities.
“The Cooperative Research and Extension is committed to supporting food security initiatives across the Federated States of Micronesia,” stated Kenye Killin, Kosrae Campus CRE Coordinator. “Vegetable gardening is a key component of the CRE program, and this training empowers our communities to cultivate fresh and nutritious vegetables.”
The Yap CRE team expressed their gratitude to the participants, Kosrae Campus staff, and all those involved for their enthusiastic participation in this successful training program.
