BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
A sharp drop in copra prices is affecting both rural producers and buyers in Malaita Province, forcing some buyers to close their sheds and leaving farmers with limited options to sell their produce.
The price of copra has fallen from $6.50 to $2.95, significantly impacting incomes for farmers who rely on copra as a primary source of livelihood.
The situation was highlighted yesterday when farmers from East Malaita travelled to Auki with bags of copra, only to find that buyers had closed their operations.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was shocked to see the farmers arrive with their produce and unable to sell.
“Yes, this morning I was shocked to see a three-ton truck full of copra bags come to my house,” he said.
“It’s almost 14 bags of copra. I was downhearted to see that those farmers came from far places hoping to sell and earn money for their families, but it did not go through,” he added.
The resident said the farmers have since stored their copra at his home while waiting for prices to improve.
He added that the farmers returned home without earning any income, and were unable to pay for transport or purchase basic household needs.
Attempts by Island Sun to contact a copra buyer in Auki were unsuccessful, as the buyer’s shed was closed.
Similar concerns have also been raised by copra producers in West Kwaio, who say they are facing the same challenge in finding buyers.
Some farmers in the area said they are now considering selling their coconuts to JK Enterprises, a local company that produces coconut oil through a crushing mill.
The ongoing price drop continues to raise concerns over the sustainability of copra production and its impact on rural livelihoods in Malaita Province.
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