Piggery project grant for Pohnpei State

With joint efforts between the three governments of the United States, namely USDA-NRCS, Japan, and Pohnpei State, the wood chipping service for Dry Litter Piggery has been established for the Pohnpei State Department of Economic Affairs. The grant amount is $61,550 provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, and the fund is used for obtaining two Tow-behind wood chippers.

Dry Litter Piggery is to mix pig waste with wood chips made by the donated chippers to produce compost, which is sterilized by being dried under the sun. This method can prevent the environmental pollution by pig waste and produce inexpensive compost for agriculture.
Mr. Paul Lake and Mr. Adelino Lorens presented to Japanese Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki a model of how the piggery should work and according to Ambassador Suzuki it is a very “effective way for the pig owners to be both eco-friendly and cost-effective.”

According to Ambassador Suzuki, one of the main issues discussed at the PALM 6 held in Okinawa this year is how to protect human security in the island-countries and this piggery project aides to boost the efforts of human security with simple approaches using low cost resources. It also alleviates Pohnpei’s efforts of preserving its beautiful nature and with this triple effort it will lead to even more sustainable development and efficient agriculture management.

The Grant Contract signing ceremony was held at Pohnpei State Governor’s Main Conference Room with remarks given by Governor Ehsa, Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki, US Ambassador Peter Prahar and Mr. Paul Lake, Chairman of Piggery Adivsory Council. Representing the Japanese Government signing the grant contract was Ambassador Suzuki and from Pohnpei State Government Mr. Kadalino Lorens, Administrator of Pohnpei State Office of Economic Affairs.

The ceremony was witnessed by numerous officials of the state & national governments, diplomatic corps, municipal governments, College of Micronesia (COM-FSM), NGO’s, and individual farmers as the members of Piggery Advisory Council.