Tuesday 8^th December, 2009 Cook Islands News

Mauke growers work in with environment

Ngara Aratangi is using the experience gained from Mangaia to help him grow pineapples on Mauke.

            Aratangi is aware of the erosion damage caused by intensive pineapple production and believes this is why it is important to grow n one area for no more than three years.

            He is starting off new rows each year and once the first rows complete three years they will be taken out and the ground given rest to revitalize the soil, then other crops planted.

            At the high use end farmers can put on enormous amounts of fertisliser, which once in waterways, causes terrible environmental damage.

            Aratangi uses only small amounts, at the base of each plant to reduce the chance of excess fertilizer reaching ground water below.

            He is also experimenting with natural fertilizers and ultimately, aiming for organic growing practice.

            In Queensland there is a lot of public concern over the amount of spray used on pineapples for disease control

            But on Mauke diseases and pests have not been a problem so far, so sprays are not used. Ants on plant ripened fruit are good testament to their sweetness!

            What Maukeans have learned is that healthy plants, like healthy people, are naturally more disease resistant. If one does not kill the natural organisms in the ecosystems with sprays and man made products, there is a good chance nature will look after itself.

            In the past some growers gave  up exporting because of problems with middle men. But with the middle man cut out and Aratangi hopes that now growers see exports really happening again they will join in and give it a go.

            Besides the long-standing weekly maire exports to Hawaii, just a handful of Mauke growers export to Rarotonga, which include produce such as limes, peppers, and now pineapples.

June Hosking on Mauke