A trap that can contain multiple feral pigs and is equipped with a camera to inform farmers of activity has been distributed to deal with the destructive impacts of feral pigs on crops.

This week, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt announced the distribution of 22 pig traps for various districts across Samoa, marking a significant step towards mitigating the longstanding issue of crop damage caused by feral pigs. 

These traps, funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and sourced from the United States, are set to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Upolu and Savaii.

While only 12 traps have arrived in the country, the Minister assured that the remaining 10 are expected to be delivered by June of this year. 

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Government of Samoa, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet, Laʻauli extended sincere appreciation to Australia and New Zealand for their continuous support to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.).

Highlighting the significant impact of feral pigs on agricultural livelihoods, Laʻauli emphasised the crucial role these traps will play in safeguarding crops. 

Laʻauli urged Australia and New Zealand to consider funding an additional 50 traps to ensure that every constituency in Samoa is equipped with the necessary resources to protect their agricultural produce from feral pig damage. 

He emphasised the strategy of minimizing the space available for feral pigs to roam freely, thereby channeling them toward the traps effectively.

The trial phase is set to begin in six selected districts from Upolu, including Falelatai and Samatau, Safata No.1 and Safata No.2, Anoamaa No.1 and Anoamaa No.2, Siumu, Falealili No.1. and No.2 and Lefaga and Falese’ela. 

Laʻauli called upon members of the District Council and Members of Parliament to actively support this initiative, emphasising the importance of community engagement in ensuring its success.

Urging collaboration between village leaders and Ministry staff, Laʻauli stressed the collective responsibility in overseeing the maintenance and operation of the traps. He reiterated the significance of unity in achieving the common goal of reducing feral pig-related damages to plantations across Samoa.

Speaking on the topic of pig traps, the Minister informed attending farmers that this new trap differs significantly from previous experiences, as it can capture multiple pigs at once. 

However, he cautioned that patience would be required due to the time-consuming setup, operations, and waiting period for trapping the animals. 

Each trap is equipped with a camera monitored by the Ministry, ensuring farmers receive essential information and know the optimal time to deploy the nets.

Additionally, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry has liaised with the Ministry of Police to acquire licenses for firearms to euthanise trapped pigs. 

Attendees from the districts were encouraged to apply for firearm licenses if needed, along with receiving proper training for their handling. 

Members of Parliament who already possess licensed firearms were also urged to utilise them for this purpose. The Minister assured that any meat obtained from the culled pigs would be utilised by the respective districts.

During the event, Australian High Commissioner, William Robinson, expressed his support for Samoa's agricultural goals and commended the collaborative efforts between M.A.F. and S.R.O.S. 

He emphasised the critical role of agriculture in Samoan households and the importance of addressing issues like feral pigs for food security and livelihoods.

Moreover, Mr. Robinson highlighted Australia's support towards agriculture in Samoa, including assistance for climate-resilient taro planting material, improvement of taro cropping systems, provision of solar lights to vulnerable farmers, and support for strengthening biosecurity systems to reopen market access pathways for fresh taro export to Australia.

He applauded the multi-step research-based intervention led by MDF, the Ministry, and SROS, expressing optimism for its success. Mr. Robinson emphasized that the traps not only address the feral pig issue but also signify a proactive approach grounded in the realities of Samoan farmers' daily lives.