BY TONY IROGA
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) is helping to revive the copra industry on Ugi Island after years of declining production that affected the livelihoods of hundreds of rural families.
For many decades, copra was the backbone of Ugi Island’s rural economy, providing a reliable source of income for families and supporting community development.
However, production steadily declined over the past seven years, significantly reducing household earnings and placing financial pressure on many families.
Jerry Wala, a CEMA agent in Ugi said renewed partnership with farmers is restoring confidence in the industry and creating new opportunities for economic growth.
“Despite low copra prices in previous years, many farmers continued producing copra as one of the few reliable sources of cash income,” Mr Wala said.
Wala said CEMA remains committed to working closely with farmers to rebuild the copra industry and ensure rural communities once again benefit from sustainable incomes through increased production.
“The revival is already producing positive results,” he said.
He said the initiative has created self-employment opportunities for many rural residents while contributing to higher national copra production.
The increased volume of copra has also generated more business for shipping operators through higher freight demand and helped reduce rural-to-urban migration by creating employment opportunities within villages.
Income earned from copra sales has enabled many families to pay for their children’s schools feels and improved cash flow within local communities.
“A strong copra industry not only supports farmers but also strengthens village economies and improves the quality of life for rural families,” Wala said.
He said to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, CEMA has identified several priorities which include; improving freight and logistics services to remote islands, assisting farmers with the rehabilitation and replanting of ageing coconut plantations, maintaining production levels, and increasing the country’s overall copra output.
Despite the positive progress, Wala acknowledged that several challenges remain.
“Natural disasters, particularly cyclones, continue to threaten coconut plantations and copra production,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the possible spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), which has already been detected on mainland Makira and Ulawa.
“Rough seas and bad weather continue to disrupt the transportation and purchase of dried copra, while rat infestations remain a threat to coconut production,” Wala added.
Despite these challenges, Wala remains optimistic that continued collaboration between CEMA, farmers and local communities will restore Ugi Island’s copra industry as a major contributor to rural livelihoods and the national economy.
“Our commitment is to ensure farmers receive the support they need to improve production, strengthen their livelihoods and build a resilient copra industry for future generations,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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