BY TONY IROGA
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Farmers First initiative is delivering positive economic benefits to rural communities, with increased cash circulation and improved market access for cocoa and copra farmers in Irigila Village, Vella Lavella Island, Western Province.
CEMA agent John Maelagi said the initiative has transformed the local economy by enabling farmers to sell their produce directly through CEMA agents instead of travelling to provincial towns or Honiara.
“Cash is now circulating within our village, which has about 280 households and more than 1,300 people. Farmers are harvesting cocoa and copra, selling their produce, and families are now able to meet their daily needs,” Mr Maelagi said.
He said the increased economic activity is evident through the opening of small trade stores and canteens, reflecting growing business confidence within the community.
According to Maelagi, the Farmers First campaign has strengthened the relationship between CEMA and rural producers by bringing services closer to farming communities.
With the CEMA’s Farmers First campaign, agents are now providing the vital link between farmers and the market. For the first time, farmers feel they are truly part of CEMA, they feel they have ownership of the institution, he said.
Last week, Maelagi transported more than 100 bags of copra and cocoa to Honiara for sale through CEMA.
He said the income earned will be used to purchase essential household goods, while the remaining funds will be reinvested into his trading business in Irigila Village.
While welcoming the success of the initiative, Maelagi urges CEMA to provide copra dryers to agents to improve product quality and increase returns for farmers.
“Access to effective copra dryers will help us produce higher-quality copra that meets market standards and increases farmers’ earnings,” he said.
Maelagi also calls on the Government to address ongoing transportation challenges that continue to affect rural producers.
“We need reliable shipping services. At present, farmers can wait two to three months before a vessel is available to transport our produce to CEMA. Improving transport will make a significant difference for rural farmers,” he said.
Government recently purchased two short-haul fast craft vessels to support CEMA’s inter-island trading operations. The vessels are expected to improve the transportation of agricultural produce once they begin scheduled services.
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