BY TONY IROGA
A copra farmer from Savo Island in Central Islands Province has praised the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) for purchasing dry copra directly from rural communities at $4 per kilogramme, describing the initiative as a major boost for local farmers and their families.
Farmer Rex Kemakeza, 60, said the authority’s decision to buy copra directly from rural areas has made a significant difference to producers who previously struggled to find reliable buyers.
“I am very happy that CEMA has come down to our rural communities to buy our copra at a good price of $4 per kg,” Kemakeza said.
He said in the past, farmers faced many challenges because buyers rarely travelled to remote villages, forcing producers to struggle to sell their copra.
“In the past, there were no buyers coming to our villages to purchase our copra at a fair price. It was very difficult for us and many families struggled because we had no reliable market,” he said.
He thanks CEMA and its buying agents for reaching out to rural communities, saying the initiative has helped families to earn a stable income and meet their daily needs.
“We appreciate CEMA and its buying agents for coming to our community. This support is helping us provide for our families and meet our everyday needs,” he said.
He welcomes the improved buying price and appeals to CEMA to further support rural farmers by providing copra drying materials, including drums and drying nets, to improve the quality and production of copra.
“We are asking CEMA to assist us with copra dryer materials such as drums and nets so we can improve our production,” he said.
Reflecting on previous experiences, Kemakeza said some copra exporters who bought from farmers in the past did not provide the level of support that CEMA is now offering.
“CEMA is doing something different by coming directly to the rural communities and paying a fair price. We are grateful for this initiative,” he said.
He thanks CEMA and its buying agents for their commitment to support rural copra farmers and improve livelihoods across the province.
Photo credit: CEMA
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