BY TONY IROGA
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Farmer First campaign is delivering tangible benefits to rural communities, with farmers and local agents reporting faster payments, improved market access and stronger support for cocoa and copra producers.
Simbo farmers are attesting to this huge improvement in their copra businesses and livelihoods. This attestation by farmers to CEMA’s Farmers First initiative is growing in numbers.
CEMA initiative aims to bridge the gap between farmers and buyers by appointing CEMA agents across the country to purchase cocoa and copra directly from producers before selling the commodities to CEMA. Agents are provided with start-up capital to help establish buying operations in their communities.
One of those agents is Martin Qae, 50, of Lengana Village on Simbo Island. Originally from Choiseul Province, Qae has lived on Simbo since marrying into the community and says the role allows him to serve local farmers while supporting rural development.
Growing up in a family with strong business ties, Qae said becoming a CEMA agent was a natural step. His father operated a butcher shop and trade store and also served as a member of the CEMA Board of Directors.
Rather than focusing on profits, he says his priority is to help farmers access reliable markets and timely payments.
“I enjoy seeing women farmers coming to me to sell their cocoa and copra. When I pay them in cash, I know that money will be used to support their families,” he said.
He said the Farmer First campaign has transformed the way farmers receive payments.
“Unlike in the past, CEMA has now reduced or eliminated the long wait for payments. Now we sell our produce and within a few hours we get paid,” he said.
He also praised CEMA’s pricing policy, saying it has created benefits for both agents and farmers.
“CEMA understands our situation and often offers good buying prices. That is an added bonus for both agents and farmers alike,” he said.
According to Qae, the Farmer First approach has given rural farmers a greater sense of belonging within the industry.
“For the first time, farmers feel they are truly part of the industry. The Farmer First vision is making a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
He said his work as a CEMA agent has also enabled him to contribute more to his community.
“I always assist my community with what little I have, especially during times of bereavement and church fundraising activities,” he said.
He also acknowledged the National Government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale for efforts to strengthen the country’s economic policies but said more support is needed for the cocoa and copra sector.
He calls on the government to improve transport services to reduce delays in shipping produce from rural areas to Honiara.
“For places like Simbo Island, where the roads are in good condition, providing a vehicle to transport farmers’ produce would greatly improve the industry,” he said.
Following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Maila, he urges the government to introduce a special recovery package for affected farmers.
“My storage shed was partly destroyed by the cyclone, and I have not yet been able to rebuild it,” he said.
He said supporting farmers after natural disasters is critical because they remain the backbone of the rural economy.
The Farmer First campaign continues to expand across Solomon Islands as CEMA activates more agents to improve market access and ensure farmers receive fair returns for their cocoa and copra production.
Photo: Supplied
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