reconstruction of the iclard for habitation, very little food plants were
left.
In fact, no food plants were left on Enewetak Island and it will be
several years before the replanted trees produce.
The second reason is to
keep the people from eating food grown on the atoll until] the degree of risk
from plant uptake of radionuclides can be properly evaluated.
The people of Enewetak are provided 6 lbs. of food per person per day
according to a menu prepared to U.S.D.A. recommendations.
observation
suggests
the
people
are
not
eating what
Discussion and
the
nutritionist
recommends, but are selectively eating what they like from what is provided.
The
Division
of
Agriculture
in
the
Ministry
of
Resources
Development has recently initiated an agriculture experiment station
Laura on Majuro
gardening.
to
test
varieties
and
develop techniques
for
and
in
vegetable
They are also beginning to study pig and duck meat production.
Vegetables
which
have been
successfully grown
include cucumbers,
tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, onions, cabbage, chinese
cabbage, watermelon, green beans, radishes, and corn.
Since most people are
not accustomed to eating these, they are not currently incorporated into the
average diet.
Some people have made the argument that since most vegetables don't
grow well without good soil, and since organic matter to make good soil is
not readily available, there is not much point in encouraging people to try
to grow vegetables.
Others said methods should be used which rely solely on
locally available materials
i.e. no imported fertilizer etc.
If it is
considered important to add a greater variety of vegetables locally, then
thought must be given to agriculture development.
care
requires
imported
medicines
and
Development of health
equipment.
transportation requires imported vehicles and fuel.
Development
of
Therefore, it should be
accepted that development of agriculture requires imported soil, organic
matter, nutrients, seeds, pesticides, tools, and technology.
In conclusion, the people are getting a good supply of food.
no reports of hunger.
There are
Data from the Trust Territory Pacific Island 5 Year
Health Plan shows 6 deaths in 1977 related to nutritional deficiencies.
Only one hospital discharge in all the TTPI in 1977 was listed as caused by
avitaminoses and other nutritional deficiencies.
It must be recognized that
there is not an adequate record keeping system to correctly determine the
actual amount or causes of many illnesses.
involved but undetected.
Nutritional abnormalities may be
Local staples plus rice are readily available and
16