FEMALE HONEY FARMER OPENS RAW HONEY PROCESSING FACTORY IN GOROKA
By VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka
A NINE-YEAR journey in bee farming has reached a major milestone for Eastern Highlands female entrepreneur Susie Wahasoka, who has successfully opened her raw honey processing factory in Goroka.
The opening last Friday marked another significant achievement for Ms Wahasoka, who became the first female bee farmer to benefit from grant assistance through the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC).
The Fresh Honey Distributors Limited owner was congratulated by LDC Project Manager Darol Daugil Naki for her determination, commitment and efforts to develop the honey industry despite the challenges faced by smallholder bee farmers.
Mr Naki commended Ms Wahasoka for turning the assistance into a practical investment that will contribute to the growth of apiculture and create opportunities for other farmers, particularly women.
The newly opened facility features several dedicated rooms for honey processing, storage and other production activities, providing a more structured environment for processing raw honey.
A laboratory room has also been established at the facility for honey testing and practical learning.
The laboratory is expected to provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience and knowledge in honey testing and processing as the honey and bee industry continues to develop in Papua New Guinea.
Ms Wahasoka said the facility was the result of years of hard work and investment into her business, which began operating in Goroka about nine years ago.
She said the support received through the LDC grant had helped address some of the major challenges facing her business, particularly the high cost of equipment and materials required to increase honey production.
Ms Wahasoka operates two bee farms, including one at Kabiufa, and works with local bee farmers by buying honey from producers in the area.
She currently employs six local people and has been encouraging greater participation by women in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Her business works with about 23 local bee farmers, creating a market for their honey while contributing to the growth of the local apiculture industry.
Ms Wahasoka also supports her community through sponsorship of the Kerefa Brothers Rugby League team, which participates in the Gahuku off-season competition.
She said the opening of the factory was not only a personal achievement but also an important step towards building a stronger honey industry in Eastern Highlands and providing opportunities for young people to learn practical skills.
The facility is expected to serve as a platform for future collaboration with students, farmers and other stakeholders interested in honey production, processing, testing and marketing.
Ms Wahasoka’s achievement demonstrates the potential for smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs to transform agricultural activities into sustainable businesses when given the right support and opportunities.
Her journey from a small-scale bee farmer to the owner of a dedicated honey processing facility is being viewed as an encouraging example for other women looking to enter and grow within Papua New Guinea’s emerging honey industry.
