The National Agriculture Show prize giving was held yesterday at Sogi, signalling the end of the National Agriculture Week.

More than two hundred farmers used the opportunity to showcase the different varieties of fruits, vegetables, livestock and seafood stock during the two-day event.

Thousands of people including several schools have been visiting and participating in the show sampling fresh pawpaws, mangoes, vaisalo, salads and much more.

For a number of farmers, the show was also an opportunity to share their stories with others.

“There are challenges in planting taro palagi but that didn’t stop me,” Alosio Ligi of Faleasi’u. He claimed the third prize for the Talo Palagi category.

“Working the land is what we rely on all the time not only to take care of our families, but to also deal with obligations to the church, village and the countless fa’alavelave.

“I’ve been planting taro palagi for that long and this is the only way we can earn a bit of money for our families especially my children.

“The show encourages me to keep on working...and I’m looking forward to coming back next year with a different taro to present at the show.

Thirty-three year old mother from Aleisa, Lilian Fruean, told the Samoa Observer, she was extremely happy to showcase her produce at the event.

“I started when I was young,” she said. “My parents taught me how to plant these vegetables.

“When I grew up, I haven’t strayed too far away. Selling vegetables is a really good way to make money and that’s what motivates me to keep doing it.

 “My message to other vegetable farmers out there is to continue on planting and they’ll see the results.”

But what are some of the benefits in growing your own vegetables?

“It will save lots of money and improve family health especially when you grow your own at your backyard. Having the knowledge to plant your own can help many individuals, families and villages today.”

The Agriculture Show will also be held in Savaii’i.