BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Malu’u copra buying center facility in North Malaita, is reportedly operating without cash according to copra farmers in and around Malu’u.
Copra products from farmers are frequently credited in advance by the Commodities Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA) buying center.
The farmers claim that they had to wait months for CEMA buying center to buy their copra products.
They claimed that occasionally, the CEMA center would send them to borrow money from a nearby canteen in Malu’u and then return the funds to the canteen after the facility received payment from CEMA.
The Malu’u copra buying center facility is operated by the Commodities Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA) for buying and exporting of copra and cocoa.
It was recommissioned in May 2024 and is a crucial part of CEMA’s efforts, supported by government funding, to boost agricultural exports and support the rural economy in the region.
The center serves as a buying point for copra and cocoa from local farmers in the North Malaita region.
In a response to the complains, Simon Chottu, Director of the CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee said that CEMA Head Office will look into the matter urgently to ensure fair and timely payment for all copra farmers.
“Thank you for sharing this important concern. We really appreciate the farmers around Malu’u for speaking up. CEMA Head Office is aware of the situation and will look into it urgently to ensure fair and timely payment for all copra farmers,” he said.
Mr Chottu said that farmers feedback helps CEMA identify gaps and improve their services at the buying points.
“We value the hard work of every farmer, and we’re committed to addressing this issue so that everyone benefits equally under the CEMA revitalization program,” Chottu said.
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