The Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TTDARES) of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan and the Jinfeng Township Administration Office held the Organic Cultivation Management and Technique Course for Taiwan Quinoa and Millet at the Shashi Station service center in Zhengxing Village of Jinfeng Township on May 2 – 3.

TTDARES Director Chen Hsin-yen and Jinfeng Township Mayor Song Xian-yi jointly hosted the opening. Chen stated that the three “jewel grains” of southeastern Taiwan, namely, Taiwan quinoa, millet, and pigeon peas, are the most popular special crops in the Taitung region. Those who choose to grow these crops must first consider proper timing, location, and cultivation technique to gain the most from their investments and reduce the possibility of damage from natural disasters. The natural environment of Jinfeng is quite suited to transformation toward organic cultivation, and Chen advised growers to rotate crops to allow for the sustainable use of the soil. Mayor Song encouraged the students to work together in developing the organic production industry as well as the secondary industries of processing and packaging so as to drive business opportunity for the overall agriculture industry in Jinfeng.