Cocoa farmers in New Ireland Province can now sell their produce locally for K1,360 per bag following the opening of a new buying depot in Kavieng, which began operations with an initial purchase of 70 bags.
New Ireland Governor Byron Chan officially opened the facility at the Rabaul Metal Industries (RMI) trading area along Power Road on October 27. The buying price matches the rate offered in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The depot is a partnership between the New Ireland Provincial Government, through its business arm, the New Ireland Development Corporation (NIDC), RMI and Agmark Agro Ltd. It aims to reduce farmers' transport costs and improve access to established markets.
Chan said the facility would address the difficulties faced by farmers who previously had to travel to Kokopo to sell their cocoa. Those unable to afford the journey often relied on middlemen, receiving as little as K80 per bag.
“Our farmers should not have to travel long distances or accept very low prices simply because they do not have access to a proper facility,” Chan said.
RMI Manager Sean Wong said the depot had commenced trading, with an initial purchase of 70 bags at K1,360 each, the same price being paid in Kokopo.
He credited the partnership between RMI and Agmark for helping establish a more accessible market for New Ireland's cocoa growers.
The project is being implemented through NIDC's Malagan Agriculture subsidiary as part of the provincial government's efforts to strengthen agricultural production and rural incomes.
NIDC Managing Director Christian Tarkap urged communities, particularly young people, to support the initiative and consider agriculture as a source of income and economic independence.
The cocoa depot complements NIDC's K250,000 copra buyers subsidy programme launched in July. Under the scheme, 50 local copra buyers received K5,000 each in working capital, with five beneficiaries selected from each Local Level Government.
The two initiatives are intended to strengthen local agricultural trading networks and improve market access for rural producers across New Ireland.
