The uncertainties of the COVID-19 situation in Samoa did not hinder the spirits of the residents of Savaia, Lefaga from hosting their Talomua and market day on Friday.

The Savaia Talomua and market day aims to showcase the residents' agricultural produce such as taro, handicrafts such as traditional fine mats, and also livestock such as sheep and cattle. 

The event was held at Savaia and was attended by representatives from Government and Savaia village chiefs, farmers and fishers. 

While the nation prepared for a nationwide lockdown, Savaia farmers focused on hosting its showcase which they have been preparing for prior to the announcement of a COVID-19 community case.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt said the significance of hosting the showcase is to promote locally made produce from the land and sea as well as handicrafts. 

He said Government has decided not to host the annual national agriculture show and pass on that responsibility to the districts to host their own shows.

“The districts will prepare and host its own agricultural showcase similar to today’s event,” he said.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Minister added that in previous years, Samoa depended on agriculture as the backbone of the country’s economy.

However, he said nowadays things have changed and Samoa imports a large number of containers with rice, chicken, sugar and salt monthly.

“It is the Government’s aim to minimise our country depending on imported goods or foods so we can depend locally.”

La'auli also applauded and congratulated those who organised the event, especially the village chiefs and council. 

“I also want to thank the women’s committee for their contributions in today’s event especially through the preparations.”

A spokesperson of the organising committee, Professor Fui Asofou Soo told the Samoa Observer that the ‘talomua’ is the name given to the celebration of the first fruits of the land especially taro.

“The talomua has been held in our village for over 20 years," he said. "One of the themes of the event is to ensure that there is sufficient supply of food or food security.

“We usually host our talomua towards the end of the year but we decided to bring it forward to coincide with the Government’s programme.

“It is also to show that our farmers are always ready despite a short time to prepare.

“The showcase has a variety of produce such as vegetables, fruits and crops.”

Professor Fui said the exhibition at the show also included cattle and sheep farms, adding that over a 100 farmers had their products on display.

“A message we are trying to portray is for our younger generation to continue doing this to carry on this initiative. 

“It is also our way of telling the nation that we don’t have to go to the shops to get food but rather we can depend on the fruits of the land and the resources from the sea.”

Following the news of Samoa recording its first community transmission, he said they were fortunate to host its event.

“We were a little worried because I feel for the farmers and putting in the time to prepare.

“With any occasion within a village community, it is the discipline and governance of the village council that is key to bringing everyone together, so the credit goes to our village fono [council].”