Grafting and marcotting key to boosting farmers’ income
February 19, 2025 10:20 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara & Kizzy Kalsakau.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is working closely with farmers to encourage agriculture as a viable business, particularly through grafting and marcotting techniques.
These methods are seen as profitable avenues for farmers to boost their agricultural production.
Speaking on the Agriculture Show on Capital FM107, Fruit Tree Specialist at the DARD, Fernand Massing, highlighted the economic potential of grafting.
He explained that grafting is a lucrative practice, saying, “A single grafted plant can be sold for VT1,000, meaning that producing 100 grafted plants can generate up to VT100,000.”
The Fruit Tree Specialist said mastering grafting techniques can create income opportunities for local farmers. Additionally, he noted that many individuals are traveling overseas for agricultural work, which presents further business potential.
Massing also provided insights into the DARD’s ongoing efforts to support farmers. He conveyed gratitude to EDF11 for its meaningful support in the area of fruit production. While EDF11 ended last year, the department is anticipating EDF12, though the focus areas for this phase remain unclear.
Massing noted that the DARD has structured its workforce to provide technical support across different provinces. “We have agricultural officers stationed in each province to assist farmers, increasing our presence and engagement on the ground,” he said. These officers work directly with farmers, offering guidance on best practices.
Discussing fruit trees, Massing commented on their importance in agriculture, listing citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, and lemons as key crops. He said there is a need for farmers to adopt proper planting strategies to ensure successful cultivation.
He also mentioned nambalango, a fruit whose leaves are commonly consumed, though it remains relatively unknown to many. Additionally, he pointed out that fruit trees in Vanuatu are categorised by family, such as the citrus family, which includes pomelo, mandarin, orange, and lemon.
Massing noted the impact of climate change on fruit trees, saying traditional methods of growing trees from seeds are becoming less effective. “Many fruit trees planted from seeds are now struggling to survive due to changing climatic conditions,” he said. To address this, the department is encouraging alternative propagation techniques such as grafting, marcotting, and patch budding.
“Marcotting involves encouraging a tree to grow roots from its branches, while grafting involves combining a strong rootstock with another plant of the same family to create a more resilient tree,” he explained. For example, wild lemon is commonly used as rootstock due to its strong root system and resistance to diseases like root rot and ringworm, which threaten fruit trees.
The DARD is working to diversify fruit tree varieties in Vanuatu. Massing revealed that the department has been in discussions with New Caledonia, which produces a variety of high-quality lychee, to introduce new fruit varieties into Vanuatu. However, the plan has faced setbacks due to recent cyclones and political unrest in New Caledonia. Despite these challenges, the department remains committed to reviving the initiative.
Previous exchange programmes with New Caledonia and Fiji have allowed agricultural officers to receive training in fruit tree propagation. While an official agreement with Fiji has not yet been signed, discussions are ongoing to facilitate future exchanges.
Massing affirmed nurseries are essential for agricultural development, with the department maintaining nurseries in various provinces. However, recent cyclones have damaged some structures. To mitigate this, the department has established seed banks that provide seeds, planting materials, and agricultural support to farmers across Vanuatu.
In addition to government-run nurseries, there are also private nurseries managed by local farmers and technicians who specialise in grafting. These initiatives are helping to sustain the availability of high-quality planting materials.
Having served as a Fruit Tree Specialist at the DARD for 15 years, Massing oversees fruit tree-related activities across Vanuatu, including production and research efforts. He urged people to recognise the business potential in agriculture, emphasising that one does not need a large land area to become a successful farmer. “Through grafting and marcotting, farmers can establish nurseries and turn them into profitable businesses,” he said.
The DARD remains committed to assisting farmers and encourages those interested to visit their offices for guidance and support.
