Palau - Agriculture



Palau does not produce enough food to support itself, mainly because the cost of doing so is higher than the cost of importing needed items. The main crops are coconuts, bananas, root crops such as taro (similar to the potato), vegetables, and tropical fruits. Poultry, pigs, and dairy cows are the main livestock. Crops and livestock generated only about 2 percent of GDP in 1998. Since Palau cannot incorporate any economies of scale in agricultural production, the likelihood of significant increases in the sector are slim. Fisheries generated about 3 percent of GDP in 1998, but output from the fisheries sector appears to be in a steady decline—in 1992, the value of fish landed was almost 4 times greater, and the fishing fleet has halved to 150 vessels in 1998.

Much of the catch from Palau's waters is taken by Chinese and Japanese vessels, and Palau receives income from licence fees of around $200,000 a year. It is felt that there is considerable illegal fishing. In addition, local boats meet with Chinese and Japanese vessels at sea and sell their catches to them, leading to under-recording of the Palau catch.

User Contributions:

1
Mark M. Vinluan
First in foremost, i love palau, informations i read about this amazing island,i'm much interested about farming in this Homeland of palauan's felt like a family to the Palauan's, soon i can visit this beautiful native island of palau, one thing i like mos in this home land by technical default this country is a organic farm land, i wish to live in this beautiful homeland. which i'm sure i can contribute my skils and simple knowledge in organic farming with the agricultural authorities. Thank you.

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