BY TONY IROGA
A copra and cocoa farmer from East Guadalcanal has praised the Commodity Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) for making it easier for rural farmers to sell their produce and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking during an interview, Mr Russell, a farmer associated with CEMA’s Totongo agents in East Guadalcanal, said the establishment of local buying points has significantly reduced the burden and costs that farmers previously faced when transporting their produce to Honiara.
“I am very happy to speak with CEMA about copra and cocoa farming,” Russell said.
“In the past, our elders had to work very hard to transport their copra all the way to Honiara and sell it at the CEMA office at Point Cruz.”
He explained that farmers were forced to spend large amounts of money on transport fares, freight charges, accommodation, and other expenses before they could sell their products.
“There were many costs involved. Farmers had to pay transport to town, freight costs for their copra, and then pay again to return home. It was difficult and expensive,” he said.
Russell said the presence of CEMA agents in rural communities has transformed the way farmers conduct business.
“At this moment, life has become much easier because CEMA agents are buying copra right here in our community,” he said.
“Farmers in rural areas can now earn more money because we save on transport expenses. We can keep more of our earnings and use that money to support our families for a longer time.”
He added that local farmers now regularly sell both copra and cocoa directly to CEMA agents within their villages, creating a more convenient and reliable market for agricultural products.
Russell also commended CEMA for providing practical support to farmers through the distribution of essential farming materials and equipment.
“CEMA has made a big difference in our lives by supporting farmers with equipment such as drums, drying nets, copra bags and sacks for both copra and cocoa production,” he said.
According to Russell these resources have helped improve the quality of produce and strengthened farming activities throughout rural communities.
He encouraged farmers across the country to support CEMA by marketing their produce through the CEMA.
“I am very happy to work closely with CEMA and to be one of its clients,” he said.
“I encourage all copra and cocoa farmers to sell their products to CEMA. It is our own commodity marketing authority in Solomon Islands and it is here to support local farmers.”
He said farmers should take advantage of the services provided by CEMA rather than selling to other buyers.
Photo: Supplied
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