Farming
is mainly on a subsistence level, although its importance is diminishing. The
principal agricultural crops are coconuts, bananas, betel nuts, cassava, and
sweet potatoes. The agricultural sector contributed 19 percent of GDP in 1996
and engaged 27 percent of the total labor force in 1994. Exports of agricultural
products (excluding fish) accounted for 6 percent of export earnings in 1996,
while exports of marine products accounted for 84 percent of total export
revenues in that year. The annual rainfall received each year varies from 2,500
millimeters (98 inches) in Yap to 4,500-7,500 millimeters (177-295 inches) in
Pohnpei. The limited water reserves in both Chuuk and Yap are a source of
concern for the long term.
The goal of the Agriculture Policy is to contribute to
make by 2023 the agriculture sector a vibrant, robust and productive contributor
to the national economy, supporting employment, food security, healthy and
wealthy lifestyles, strong social safety nets, a greener economy and decreased
trade deficits. Hence, the policy outlines the following expected outcomes to be
achieved by 2016: 1) A well resourced and properly focused agriculture sector
operating within a stable and consistent policy framework; 2) Enhanced capacity
of sector stakeholders; 3) Increased sustainable production (and productivity)
of traditional farming systems to provide for household nutrition, traditional
needs and cash incomes; 4) Increased volumes of saleable agricultural products
to be marketed by the private sector into domestic and export markets; 5) More
product value adding through efficient value chains; 6) Strengthened domestic
and international transport linkages; 7) Enhanced synergies between the
agriculture and tourism sectors; 8) Enhanced environmental services and sector
resilience to natural disasters and climate change. The policy is inspired by
the principles of: environmental sustainability, cultural sensitivity and
integrity, social and gender equity, private sector led growth, subsidiarity,
good governance and transparency, observance of international treaties.
