Farmers are losing more than 20 per cent of their revenue owing to post-harvest losses, related to drying and storage issues. But now, British American Tobacco PNG (BAT PNG) and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) have partnered to support rural bulb onion farmers in Papua New Guinea.
Through this partnership, BAT will fund the construction of 50 bulb onion solar dryers in various locations. According to BAT PNG general manager Vamid Maksimenko, this is the first investment BAT has ever had in the agriculture sector: "The partnership aims to increase the quality and the volume of bulb onions that farmers pro-duce, which in turn will increase their revenue. The FPDA will manage the fund by arranging for the construction and placement in bulb onion farming cooperatives they already work with across the country who currently supply the urban market.”
"The government’s goal of reclaiming PNG through agriculture highlights the crucial role that agriculture plays in the country’s food security and economic stability. We are pleased to partner with FPDA who are experienced and credible partners in this space.”
The project will help about 3,000 to 5,000 onion farming households.
Source: postcourier.com.pg
