Narrative
Full Description
Project narrative
In December 2017, the Juncao Mushroom Technical Cooperation Project entered into its second phase. Through this phase, experts provided technical demonstration, training, and promotion to farmers in Fiji. More than 900 Fijian farmers will attend the training courses. This phase was also funded by the Chinese Government, though the grant commitment (transaction) amount unknown. The project was meant to kickstart mushroom production in Fiji and supply feed to livestock husbandry in the dry season. It was expected to assist Fiji in developing the Juncao industry and raise Fijian farmers' income. As of the end of 2018, more than 20,000 substrate tubes and 200,000 roots of Juncao grass had been distributed to Fijian farmers. The project also created a production line for mushrooms at the demonstration arm – from seedlings to packaging and storage – with an annual production capacity of 300 tons of fresh mushrooms. As of June 2022, 1,704 Fijians had been trained as mushroom farmers and technicians, including women, disabled persons, and people who lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The third phase of the project officially commenced on January 1, 2023.
Staff comments
This project is also known as the Second Phase of the Juncao Technological Demonstration Program or Second Phase of the Juncao Mushroom Technology Demonstration Center Project. The Chinese project title is 中国援助斐济菌草技术合作项目. The first phase of the project, funded by an RMB 8.2 million grant from the Chinese Government, involved the construction of a demonstration farm at Legalega Research Station, trainings, and the provision of materials (See Record ID#49135) The project was marked as completed on January 1, 2023, based on the official launch of Phase 3 of the Juncao Technology Demonstration Center (see linked Record ID#108614). No evidence was found of overlap between Phases 2 and 3.