Pulses in the Pacific

Pulses have a firm place in the farming systems of Fiji, particularly in the dry zone areas. They were an early introduction into Fiji by the indentured Indians in the 1880's to make dhal soup and for green vegetables. The major pulses grown in Fiji are pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), Mung (Vigna radiata) and Urd (Vigna mungo). Although the total area devoted to each is relatively small, each has an important role in the farm and food economy and pulses are regarded as important substitution crops grown on marginal sugarcane growing areas of Fiji. This is in line with the Government's plan to increase cash and food crops in the sugarcane belt whilst also maintaining sugar production.

Marketing

Pulse production is mainly on a subsistence level for home consumption and any surplus is sold in domestic markets. From 1991 greenpods of pigeonpea and cowpea have been exported, mainly by airfreight, to Australia, New Zealand and Canada where they are utilised by many Asian and Indo-Fijian migrants. A market survey of farmers and exporters in 1996 revealed that there is a great demand for green pulses in the local and export market. Also, production of dry seed is below demand as import statistics shows that around F$4-6 million worth of assorted pulses are imported annually.

Constraints

The major constraints hindering the development of pulse crops are considered to be low yielding traditional varieties, seasonal supply, pests and diseases, and land availability. Surveys have shown that growers in those areas where pulses could be expected to grow well are generally still unaware of the opportunities and cultural practices for growing pulses to ensure a regular supply to the markets.

Research intitiatives

Two major programmes under research: the Pulse Improvement and the Crop Diversification Programmes. The Pulse Improvement Programme incorporates studies on pigeonpea, cowpea, mung and urd. The Crop Diversification Programme covers rotational, mono-cropping and sugarcane based inter-cropping studies. Studies are continuing on evaluation and cultural practices of suitable high yielding and early maturing varieties through collaboration with agricultural institutions abroad. This is being done to increase production and achieve a continuous supply to the markets through photoperiod cultivars.

The major pest of pulse crops is a defoliating caterpillar, Maruca testulalis, which if not controlled drastically reduces the crop yield. The chemicals currently being used to control this pest involve some risk as they could lead to unacceptable levels of chemical residue in the product. Therefore research is focused on other means of controlling the pest.

Crop diversification programmes to broaden the base of the sugarcane industry by integrating pulses in sugarcane belts are being implemented. Sugarcane based inter-cropping, rotational and mono-cropping on non-cane lands are the technologies developed at the Ministry of Agriculture's Legalega Research Station, Nadi to increase income of sugarcane farmers and spread the risk of reliance on a single crop - sugarcane.

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