et bade ae a ri obddilealAntigo copra. [t is hoped cacao may become another cash crop in Ponape and Truk Districts with a possible minimum production of 75 tons of cacao beans for export by 1970. Black pepper is being established at Ponape on a small commercial scale where individual farmers are planting 1/6 acre pepper gardens under the direction and guidance of extension agents. A pilot project on rice production for local consumption is underway at Ponape with 50 acres planted so far. A total of 50,000 pounds of polished rice was produced this year. Taro, arrowroot, yam, sweet potato, cassava, breadfruit, pandanus, banana, citrus and a number of other introduced crops, used mainly for local subsistence, are the remaining principal crops. The agricultural potential and cultural preference of each island place different emphasis on the various crops. For example, in Palau District, cassava has taken the place of breadfruit. In Truk District, breadfruit and giant swamp and dry land taro varieties are the most important food crops. land row crop agriculture is practic to some extent in Palau and Marianas. In the other districts v: little ground cultivation is done exc: in Ponape, where holes are specia prepared for planting yams and vines ure carefully trained up live t arbors. Although agricultural efficiency very low compared to that of hig. developed areas, it compares favora with similar developing countries. 1] introduction of cacao to high isla: for intercropping with cocom bananas, and breadfruit will incre by 50% the income per acre of la New hybrid cacao types have be introduced to Ponape and Truk A: and so far show outstanding yi performance. The highest yield trees and those most resistant disease will be selected and the se distributed to indigenous farmers planting. The overall cacao prograrr based on assisting local farmers ‘promoting cacao production rat: than on promotion of la Government or privately ow demonstration farms. In order to build Micrones reputation of producing high qua: On Ponape Island, yam culture is and premium-priced cacao, cen highly developed, having a social fermentaries and processing pla prestige role as well as serving © have been established in areas subsistence purposes. Large yams, concentrated cacao production. E: sometimes weighing several hundred central fermentary has one or m pounds and many years old, play a mechanical rotary cacao driers. Pon: dominant role in the ceremoniallife of has two rotary driers installed; Tr one. the Ponapeans. Traditional cultural practices are still followed for most subsistence crops. Coconuts, breadfruit, pandanus, bananas and other trees are planted with very little cultivation. Taro is cultivated in pits where the soil has been improved by the use of fallen leaves, cut grasses, and compost. Dry 60 The coconut, the most import: economic crop in the Territory, ! the highest priority for developme A Territory-wide, long-range coco! replanting program is in its eighth y: of operation. The program has be augmented by the assistance of Peace Corps Volunteers who have be Part VI—Economic Advanceme *” (-B