Crown Prince opens Tongatapu Royal Agricultural Show, highlights climate issues

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoa Ulukalala today opened the 2024 Tongatapu Royal Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism and Trade Show in Atle. The theme of the event is “A lifeline against natural disasters and climate change” It reflects growing concerns about the impact of climate change on Tonga’s agriculture.

Addressing the gathering, the Crown Prince, accompanied by his three daughters, Princesses Halaevalu Mata’aho, Nanasipau’u Eliana and Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu, drew attention to the serious challenges posed to the agricultural sector by the long-term effects of climate change. Her Royal Highness Princess Latufuipeka Tuku’aho also attended the meeting.

The Crown Prince expressed concern over the combined effects of a six-month drought triggered by the El Nino phenomenon in 2023 and continued heavy rainfall from January to March 2024. These extreme weather conditions led to massive crop losses and subsequent shortages of local agricultural products.

“The combined impact of drought and continued rains has severely impacted agriculture in Tonga, resulting in reduced production and severe shortages in local markets,” the Crown Prince said. “To this end, our ministries have urged us to adopt a simple but effective solution – planting trees. Both the Ministry of Climate Change and the Ministry of Agriculture are advocating a million-tree planting program, extending from coastal areas to inland areas, to protect us from these harsh conditions.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests, Lord Fauh, also addressed the audience, noting that the prices of major agricultural products such as yams, taro, cassava and vegetables have increased significantly. He reported that in December 2023, the price of ‘ufi (yam) had soared to 100 Pa’anga per 7 kg, while other crops such as taro and cassava have also seen similar increases.

The performance was attended by Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, Cabinet ministers and a number of Pacific Forum leaders, including Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa and Nauru President David Adeang.

Guests viewed displays of local crops, Tongan crafts and fresh fish, and admired the resilience of Tongan farmers, fishermen and artisans in the face of the challenges of climate change.