Savaia Talomua and Market Day
Theme: “Fa’amalolosi aua le Fa’avaivai” (Stay Strong & Never Give Up)
The village of Savaia, Lefaga hosted their Talomua and Market Day on Friday, 18th March 2022. Members of the public around the southern part of Upolu gathered to witness the event and purchase agriculture and fisheries goods on display, including giant clams from the village’s giant clam sanctuary.
It has been 20 years since Savaia, Lefaga has initiated and celebrated its Talomua program. It was only cancelled in 2012 due to Cyclone Evan, 2019 due to the Measles Outbreak and last year due to COVID19, according to the Chairman of the Savaia Talomua Organizing Committee, Tusani Iosefatu Reti. He also relayed their request for assistance from the government for the control of the wild pig population that continues to devastate their crops, and improvement with their access roads to their inland farming lands.
The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, congratulated the committee and villagers for a well-prepared event, and encouraged them to stay strong and continue to celebrate their village Talomua initiative for years to come. This is an indication of a long term commitment that will surely benefit the current and future generations of the Savaia community.
Honourable La’aulialemalietoa also remarked about the Ministry and Government’s initiatives and plans to increase our food and nutrition security, import substitution and exports via the establishment of a national Export and Import Authority, for the long term desired benefits for our smallholder farmers. He also mentioned that Cabinet has accepted his Ministry’s recommendation to replace the annual national agriculture and fisheries shows with traditional district Talomua events, so that the districts have ownership and control of their Talomua, and all farmers within a district will have the opportunity to participate. The Ministry’s role will be to provide technical and financial support and encourage our exporters to attend the events and negotiate supply arrangements with the farmers displaying their agricultural produce, such as root and tuber crops, cocoa, etc., for export markets.
ENDS
