Previous                 Philately Goes Bananas                 Next Nauru With the decline in phosphate production, there has been an increased emphasis on food production in Nauru. In 2015 FAO reported having " supplied vegetable seeds and other planting materials" as well as having "assisted in the development of coconut, banana and aquaculture production." Focusing on banana production its report states, "Following the introduction of new banana varieties resistant to the black Sigatoka disease, FAO assistance was requested to improve their mass production, using tissue culture technology and the narrow pit planting system adopted in the northern Cook Islands. Propagation mother blocks and demonstration sites were established in Yaren, Meneng and Buada, and hands-on participatory workshops on pest, disease and soil management, banana micro-propagation and tissue culture were conducted for field staff and selected farmers. Over 300 farmers have gained a better understanding of atoll agriculture and the importance of growing varieties that are resistant to black Sigatoka disease. Disease-resistant varieties showed healthy growth and improved fruit production in most sites, and there was an increased availability of local bananas for sale." Date of Issue: December 9, 1981 Design: Produce Series: Tenth Anniversary of the South Pacific Forum Previous                                                Next Return to the Banana Stamps from Around the World Index Page.