AN entomologist wants the local community to look into the potential of growing vegetables organically.
Dr. Chao Hon Chiu worked for the Northern Marianas College Agricultural Research Program 30 years ago, and helped implement NMC’s cooperative extension service projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Chao Hon Chiu’s 5,000-square-meter farm is located near Airport Road.
Contributed photo
His specialty is the study of insects and pests and the biological means of controlling them to protect plant varieties and improve production of vegetables and fruits.
Chiu said leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers and other tropical vegetables can be grown locally through an organic hydroponic system.
He noted that imported vegetables have to be quarantined on Guam before they are shipped to Saipan.
“So most of those imported vegetables once they arrive here are no longer fresh but are still expensive,” he said.
Chiu said his company’s 5,000-square-meter farm near Airport Road has a greenhouse that produces 10,000 heads of lettuce in different varieties each month.
Dr. Chao Hon Chiu says his greenhouse produces 10,000 heads of lettuce in different varieties each month.
Contributed photo
Chiu said his goal is to promote hydroponics or bio-technology in the CNMI community.
“We can have organic products because the island has mild sunshine with no air pollution. Also, we’re a tourist destination so there needs to be quality vegetables here,” he added.
Compared to soil farming, he said hydroponic farming is more productive and is free of pesticides.
Chiu said he became interested in hydroponic farming in the CNMI when USDA supported its use four years ago.
He believes that eventually, soil farming will be replaced by hydroponic farming.
“So I wish the CNMI community can support this program now so we can get cheaper organic and locally produced fruits and vegetables,” Chiu said.
