Farmer Resource

Practical knowledge for our islands

Farmer Resources

Simple guidance to help households and growers care for crops, improve their gardens, and make the most of Tuvalu’s limited land and water.

Growing & Crop Care

Choose a topic below to explore practical steps for your garden or farm.

01 / GETTING STARTED

Plan Your Garden

Start with a manageable space and choose crops suited to your site, water supply, and household needs.

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Choose a site with suitable sunlight and access to water.
Use containers or raised beds where ground conditions make planting difficult.
Grow a small range of crops first, then expand as you learn.
Ask Agriculture staff about locally suitable crops and planting material.

02 / SOIL & COMPOST

Build Healthier Soil

Use suitable organic matter to help sandy garden soils retain moisture and support crop growth.

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Compost plant scraps, dry leaves, and garden trimmings.
Keep meat, oils, plastics, and diseased plant material out of household compost.
Use well-rotted compost; seek advice before applying animal manure to food crops.
Mulch around plants, leaving space around the stems.

03 / WATER MANAGEMENT

Use Water Wisely

Plan watering around crop needs and protect your supply of fresh water.

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Water near the roots in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Check soil moisture before watering rather than watering on a fixed schedule.
Use mulch and check hoses or containers for leaks.
Seek advice where saltwater intrusion or salty irrigation water affects crops.

04 / PLANT HEALTH

Watch for Pests & Diseases

Check plants regularly so problems can be noticed and discussed with Agriculture staff early.

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Inspect leaves, stems, and fruit for damage, spots, or unusual insects.
Photograph the problem and record the crop, location, and when it began.
Clean tools and avoid moving suspect planting material between gardens.
Ask for advice before using pesticides and follow approved product labels.

05 / LOCAL FOOD

Traditional Crops & Pulaka

Support local food knowledge and learn about caring for traditional crops and pulaka growing areas.

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Learn from experienced local growers as well as Agriculture staff.
Keep records of planting material, crop growth, and harvests.
Monitor growing areas for changes in water conditions or saltwater impacts.
Seek local advice before changing pulaka pit drainage or growing conditions.

06 / HARVEST & HANDLING

Care for Your Harvest

Handle produce carefully to reduce damage and keep locally grown food in good condition.

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Use clean tools, hands, and containers when harvesting.
Keep harvested produce shaded and protected from animals and pests.
Use clean, safe water when washing produce.
Plan household use or sales early to reduce waste.

Connect with the Department

Farmer Support

Contact the Department of Agriculture for advice and information about available services.

Advice & Training

Ask about planting guidance, crop problems, demonstrations, and upcoming farmer training opportunities.

What to prepare

Bring photos of your crops, the name of your island, details of the problem, and information about your soil and water supply.

Funafuti & Vaitupu Farms

Ask about activities at the Taiwan-supported farms, demonstration opportunities, and locally grown produce for sale.

Before visiting

Confirm visiting arrangements, current produce availability, prices, and any training dates with the farm or Department.

Seeds & Planting Material

Ask about suitable varieties and the availability of seeds, seedlings, or other planting material.

Importing from overseas

Contact the Department before ordering or bringing agricultural items into Tuvalu. Confirm the current clearance requirements for your specific items.

Research & Farmer Guides

Visit the Research & Reports page using the website menu for publications and guidance as they become available.

Finding the right information

Search by crop or topic, or use the report category filter. Ask Agriculture staff for help applying a guide to your garden’s conditions.

Growing conditions vary across Tuvalu. Use these general tips alongside local knowledge and advice from the Department of Agriculture.