COCOA FARMER BOOST PRODUCTION WITH ASSISTANCE OF SOLAR DRYERS

A cocoa farmer in the East Sepik Province Janet Yamahune can now efficiently dry her produce in a less laborious and ecofriendly way, thanks to a partnership between the Australian Government and agriculture exporter Outspan PNG.

Janet has been assisted with a specially designed solar dryer that enables her to conveniently dry cocoa using the sun’s energy rather than by burning firewood.

Janet said the new solar dryer has now reduced her workload and delivered more of everything else; more money, more time, and more opportunities.

She says she usually earns K400 for a bag of cocoa but with the improved quality she has, now she is making up to K2000.

She can now afford school fees, a new water tank, and even help other cocoa farmers in her Baimuru community.

Janet is one of 35 cocoa fermentary owners in the East Sepik to receive solar dryers by the Australia-Outspan partnership, replacing traditional drying methods that are labour intensive and often lead to smoky beans and lower prices.

This highlights the dedication farmers in the country to the quality of planting to harvesting, now shines through in better-tasting, higher-value beans and the Australiana and Agriculture Exporter outspan PNG in creating avenues for farmers in the country to prosper.