Siumu village farmers on Saturday displayed the first fruits of their harvest as they hosted their first Talomua with local fishermen also joining the celebration to showcase seafood.

Ending the week with back-to-back Talomua events on the southern coast of Upolu, the Punauli Farmers and Fishers Association in the village of Siumu showcased the fruits of their hard labour.

The uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder the event from taking place and was organised by the Association in collaboration with the farmers and fishers of of the village.

The theme for this year’s event was “Galulue Punoua’i mo le Ulua’i Seleselega” – work hard for the first harvest – and featured a variety of agricultural produce, seafood as well as livestock. 

The president of the Punauli Farmers and Fishers Association, Su’a Ioane welcomed the Government officials, guests and all who attended to celebrate their first Talomua in Siumu. 

The event was attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, the Member of Parliament for Siumu, Tu’uu Anasii Leota, Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, and executive management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

La’auli during his speech thanked and congratulated the Punauli Association for the successful coordination of the Talomua event. 

He said they have gathered and worked in partnership with the various livestock and crop famers as well as fishers of Siumu to showcase their finest produce.

The Minister said this indicated good collaboration within the village to drive agriculture and fisheries development to sustain food, nutrition and income security. 

The Ministry also provided farming tools and equipment, seed and seedlings of various crops as part of their supporting role to village-led agriculture and fisheries events.

It was a busy week for La’auli as he also attended the showcase of agricultural products and handicrafts by the village of Gagaifolevao during their Talomua festival on Friday. 

The annual national agricultural exhibitions have been replaced with local Talomua festivals with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries working in partnership with the villages. The new change was announced last year to give the opportunity to the districts and all villages to participate.