BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A cocoa farmer from Isabel Province calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transparency (GREAT) coalition to seriously consider subsidising freight costs for cocoa and copra farmers.
Ben Vihi from Susubona Village in West Hograno District, who brought his 31 bags of cocoa to Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) and is in the process of attaining his certificate as a CEMA agent, said Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s government must help farmers with transportation challenges.
“I wish that the new government can assist us farmers in subsidising the freight cost which often consume more than half of our earnings,” Mr Vihi said.
Vihi also encourages the Ministry of Agriculture and livestock Development (MALD) and CEMA to work together and coordinate efforts to avoid duplicating roles.
The cocoa farmer acknowledged CEMA for its effective support and assistance in providing bags of cement, nets and drums which enabled him to build his air drier.
With CEMA’s support Vihi is also planning to extend his cocoa plantation by 100 metres in length and width.
With the expansion of his cocoa plantation in the pipeline, Vihi anticipates his certification status to be known soon.
Vihi said last year he bought 27 bags of cocoa from farmers and transported them to CEMA and was paid well by the authority.
He said at his village he is competing with other buyers, most of whom are well established.
Photo: Supplied
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