A UNIVERSITY of the South Pacific (USP) researcher is developing new tools to help Pacific farmers strengthen taro production as climate change and declining soil health threaten one of the region’s most important staple crops.
Marking World Rural Development Day, USP highlighted the work of agricultural researcher and doctoral candidate Abhineshwar Vinay Prasad, whose research spans Fiji, Samoa and Tonga and aims to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of taro farming.
Prasad said Pacific agriculture remains on the frontline of climate change, with rising temperatures, flooding, saltwater intrusion, prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall affecting crop production and rural livelihoods.
“Taro is a vital staple food crop for Pacific Island countries,” he said. “With increasing demand from local and export markets, farmers are facing challenges in keeping up due to declining yields and deteriorating soil health.”
Based at field trial sites in Muainaweni, Naitasiri, Prasad’s research is examining farming practices that can improve yields while restoring soil health and helping farmers adapt to future climate conditions.
The project uses the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), an internationally recognised modelling tool that predicts crop growth and soil performance under different climate and farming scenarios.
The existing APSIM taro model will be upgraded to better reflect Pacific conditions, including Fiji’s Tarova Damu variety.
The research also investigates soil biodiversity by analysing bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that play a critical role in maintaining healthy, productive farming systems.
Prasad said the project will assess different farming approaches, including organic and inorganic fertiliser use, mulching, intercropping and monocropping, to identify practices that increase resilience while maintaining productivity.
Beyond improving farm-level decision-making, the research is expected to support governments, agricultural planners and development partners with evidence to strengthen food security, climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture policies across the Pacific.
