Experts from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China have been offering technological support to Pacific Island nations, working to improve local farming techniques and increase farmers' earnings.
For years, the Jiangsu Academy has been collaborating with Pacific Island nations on agricultural science and technology under the framework of South-South Cooperation.
Recently, the academy has focused its efforts on improving the cultivation of vegetables and other crops in some Pacific Island countries.
In June, vegetable cultivation expert Diao Weiping will travel to Fiji and Vanuatu to guide local farmers in growing vegetables they currently rely mostly on importing.
"Peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy vegetables like Chinese cabbage and kale are among the most popular vegetables in these countries. However, they import many of these vegetables from Australia and New Zealand at relatively high prices," said Diao Weiping, deputy director of the Institute of Vegetable Crops at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
According to Diao, their cucumber cultivation techniques have helped a farmer in Fiji increase yields and boost his income.
"There is a farmer in Fiji who wanted to grow cucumbers. We then taught him how to improve his cultivation techniques, including soil improvement, fertilization, and the proper use of growth regulators. Now, his yields are much higher. He harvests hundreds of kilograms daily, and many local restaurants place orders with him," Diao said.
Achieving self-sufficiency in vegetables and other crops is vital for food security in Pacific Island countries and also helps to improve local diets.
"On one hand, we focus on training agricultural officials as a long-term resource for their agricultural development. On the other hand, we work to help them train professionals who can improve the practical skills of local enterprises and large-scale growers," said Zou Yi, head of the International Cooperation Department at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Chinese technologies power agricultural modernization in Pacific Island countries
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
