China’s Juncao technology introduced to Vanuatu
July 4, 2024 4:27 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Anita Roberts.
Experts from the China National Engineering Research Centre of Juncao Technology are in Vanuatu to run a one-month training course on the use of Juncao, a Chinese invented technology used to produce mushrooms and animal feed.
The technology involves cultivating a grass globally recognized as the “ Chinese grass” or “grass of happiness” to produce edible mushrooms and serve as nutritious livestock feed.
Around 40 participants registered through the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM) are attending the training course in Port Vila sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce, following the training opening ceremony yesterday.
Acting Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Antoine Ravo, said the training reflects with the government’s commitment to introducing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices for community benefit.
“Mushroom cultivation presents a new and exciting opportunity for our farmers and private sector in Vanuatu…Mushrooms are not just a delicious addition to our meals, they are a powerhouse of nutrition. Incorporating mushrooms into our diets can significantly improve our nutritional intake and overall health,” he said.
“Moreover, the cultivation of mushrooms is environmentally friendly and can be profitable venture for our farmers.
“The Department of Agriculture has received numerous requests from farmers and the private sector expressing interest in mushroom cultivation. This emphasises the need and demand for this training to happen. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully cultivate mushrooms using Juncao technology, thereby enhancing your agricultural practices and contributing to the growth of our agriculture sector.”
Ravo encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training opportunity. Recognised by the United Nations (UN), this technology addresses food insecurity, generates household income, and creates employment opportunities. It allows small farmers to grow mushrooms using dried, chopped grasses, without resorting to tree-cutting or environmental harm.
The technology has been introduced around the world including Fiji and Papua New Guinea in the Pacific.
Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu, Chen Zongwei, said agricultural cooperation between Vanuatu and China is important for the two country’s relation.
He said China is willing to work with developing countries like Vanuatu to spread its wisdom and solutions to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Juncao technology is playing an increasingly important role to achieve sustainable agriculture development and alleviating poverty and promoting productive employment,”he said.
Acting Secretary of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Jonathan Iavere, who declared the training opened yesterday, thanked the China National Engineering Research Centre of Juncao Technology for delivering the training in Vanuatu.
“PSC is thankful for the relationship it maintains with China. The Juncao Technology Training through its ecological and agricultural benefits is a solution towards the improvement of livelihood of people, communities and organization,” he said.
VIPAM and MALFFB are acknowledged for their support in organising the training.
