BY INDY MAEALASIA
GOSHEN Enterprise Limited, an agribusiness based in Malaita province, is making significant strides in the country’s untapped taro industry.
Established in 2019 by business partners Levite Maesimae and Rex Maukera, Goshen has become a key player in the Taro-processing sector, contributing to the rural economy and providing a market for local farmers.
A Vision for Rural Communities
Levite explains that the vision to enter the taro business stemmed from a need in the rural communities, where many taro farmers struggled to find reliable markets.
“The vision to go into taro was because there was a need for people in our rural communities, especially taro farmers who were always looking for a market for their products,” Levite recalls.
Despite starting with limited resources, Levite and Rex worked tirelessly to build a successful local taro business.
A major milestone came in 2022 when Goshen was awarded support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) under the Enhanced Capabilities of Agriculture Trade (ECAT) through the multi-donor program called Enhanced Integrated Program (EIF).
“They advertised interest for those wanting to go into taro exporting,” Levite says, reflecting on the opportunity that helped propel Goshen’s growth.
A Thriving Network of Farmers
Over the years, Goshen has established a farm at Adaliua, Central Kwara’ae where Levite works full time.
He dedicates his time to managing the farm, attending training sessions, and investing in capacity building.
“I work at the farm, doing and attending training, capacity building, and engaging a few families to help run and maintain the farm,” he explains.
Currently, Goshen has built a steady network of 24 taro farmers spread across the North region, West and Central Kwara’ae, West Kwaio, and West Are’Are.
“This network is a voluntary setup, not registered yet, but we’re in the process of setting them up properly by registering them as an association with the support of various agencies and stakeholders,” Levite adds.
The Taro Processing Journey
Taro, a root crop that thrives in the tropical climate of the Solomon Islands, requires more than six months to mature.
According to Levite, Goshen typically purchases taro three times a year, during the beginning, middle, and end of the year, or on a quarterly basis.
Once harvested, women are engaged to peel, wash, chop, and pack the taro. “We use different shapes for cutting; no machines at the moment,” Levite says.
The process of peeling is labor-intensive, requiring up to two days to peel one ton of taro, unless they work overnight.
Despite lacking machinery and facing the challenge of small-scale production, Goshen has supplied a range of local institutions, including Kilufi Hospital, the Correctional Service in Auki, SINIS, and various catering groups.
Levite emphasizes that they prioritize food safety. “We track everything. We know where the taro comes from, which farmers supplied it, and if anything happens, we can trace it,” he says.
Overcoming Challenges
Commercializing taro in the Solomon Islands is still a relatively new venture, and Goshen continues to face challenges.
One major issue is the lack of tools and machinery for mass production. “Farmers have requested tools to work on their garden patches,” Levite points out.
Despite the increasing demand for taro, there are not enough tools or workforce to meet capacity.
Additionally, the purchasing system is often unfamiliar to rural farmers, and consistency in supply is an ongoing challenge.
“Farmers are not always committed. They sell at the market or at events instead of supplying us consistently,” Levite explains.
Taro is also a fragile crop that requires proper handling and preparation, which can be complicated by climate change.
“Climate change is a big threat, as farms lack insurance and crops are vulnerable to rainfall and cyclones,” Levite says.
He stresses the need for a secure system for farms and crops to protect the investment.
A New Milestone: Introducing ‘Solomon Frozen Taro’
In November 2024, Goshen expanded with its first-ever labeled product called ‘Solomon Frozen Taro’, which can be purchased at Meat Delights Shop at NPF Plaza, Point Cruz.
This marks a new chapter for the company as it takes its locally processed taro to the next level of commercialization.
Levite expressed his excitement about this achievement, saying, “I am thrilled to see this step forward in our journey. This is a major milestone as we work towards branding and labeling our products for broader markets.”
Solutions and the Path Forward
To overcome various challenges, Goshen is exploring ways to incentivize farmers to supply a consistent volume of taro. Levite suggests introducing a performance-based scheme where farmers who meet specific targets would receive bonuses.
“We want to encourage farmers to supply a certain volume of taro,” he says.
Levite also offers advice to the youth: “Young people must not see agriculture as a low-standard business. Agriculture in the Pacific can generate significant income. It requires time, commitment, perseverance, a strong mind, and resiliency. Innovative thinking is essential to drive success.”
Levite believes the potential of agriculture in the Solomon Islands is immense, especially as the country strives to ensure food security.
“We need to utilize the land that is currently barren and turn it into money,” he says. “The country’s future relies on agriculture, and we need to commit to the long-term process.”
Despite the challenges, Levite remains optimistic. “The time and commitment invested in agriculture have great potential. The country will rely on agriculture for food security, and it’s important to turn land into money,” he adds.
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