(NMC-CREES) — To strengthen agriculture in the Commonwealth, Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services has launched a project to introduce and test several tropical fruit varieties from Malaysia. Led by NMC-CREES, the initiative aims to expand the islands’ food supply, support local farmers, and create new opportunities for communities across the CNMI. By diversifying what can be grown locally, the project also supports long-term food security and regeneration for the region.
Among the new introductions are both familiar and unique tropical fruits which are durian (Durio), jackfruit and cempedak (Artocarpus), longan (Dimocarpus), mangosteen (Garcinia), sapodilla (Manilkara), rambutan (Nephelium), and snake fruit (Salacca), all of which hold potential to thrive in the Marianas’ soil and climate conditions.
Upon arrival in Saipan, between 20 to 30 seeds of each variety were transferred to the NMC-CREES Agriculture Research Station in As Perdido. The seeds are now in the germination stage, a critical first step in testing how well these species can adapt to the CNMI’s climate conditions.
If successful, the introduction of these fruits could boost local agriculture by offering farmers new crops to cultivate, strengthening food security, and expanding market options. Residents may also enjoy access to a wider range of nutritious, locally grown tropical fruits in the future.
Looking ahead, NMC-CREES plans to continue working closely with farmers, ranchers, students, and community partners to expand agricultural research and education in the Marianas. Projects like this not only introduce new crops but also build capacity for future generations of growers, ensuring that the CNMI remains resilient, innovative, and regenerative in its food systems.
For more information on the NMC-CREES Agroforestry program, please visit crees.marianas.edu or email jesse.dlguerrero@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-6876.