Farmers in rural communities in PNG can get better returns for their produce when they are organised into cooperative group marketing arrangements.
Chairman of Basamuk Cooperative Society Group, Tony Gaiyu, pointed this out recently.
Gaiyu also gave an illustration that the establishment of the Basamuk Cocoa Cooperative Society Group (BCCSG) in the far-flung corner of Rai Coast district, in Madang Province, had greatly eased the burden of many rural farmers. They can now access farm supplies and sell their cocoa produce right near their doorsteps.
“When you are better organised into groups and with your produce in big quantity, you have the bargaining power,” Gaiyu explained.
He said the creation of the BCCSG had paved way for the setting up of a retail hardware store in Basamuk.
“Farmers who would have travelled by banana boat all the way to Madang just to purchase a bush knife, now can easily purchase their item at Basamuk. This followed an arrangement made with a major agriculture supplier, Agmark Hardware in Madang,” Gaiyu said.
BCCSG is currently getting goods to sell at its remote location on credit from Agmark Didiman Hardware and that is helping the remote farmers from risking their lives by not going all the way to town.
The creation of BCCSG hatched from the concept of public private partnership, which Ramu NiCo (MCC) is promoting amongst organised farming groups in its project impacted communities.
Chairman Gaiyu said rural people are very appreciative of the arrangement between the cooperative group and Agmark Didiman Hardware.
He clarified that according to the arrangement, BCCSG brings items such as farm supplies to sell at its retail trade store at Basamuk.
Besides, some of the major programs of the BCCSG include cocoa nursery development and cocoa extension services, which the group is working in partnership with the Cocoa Coconut Institute Limited (CCIL) and Ramu NiCo.
The BCCSG was formed in December 2013 as a voluntary and united association of cocoa farmers, initially numbering 35. They came together to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations. The members of the group pay their membership fees of K120 to assist in their activities and programs.
Gaiyu said so far, over 550 farmers have expressed interest to join.
The membership of farmers in the BCCSG covers the area from Mingming to Dein village in Rai Coast district.
The biggest lesson most of the farmers had learnt was to start small, contribute sweat equity, work as a team, be consistent and committed. Rewards will then fall in line.
(BCCGS chairman Tony Gaiyu purchasing cloned cocoa seedlings at PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute research station at Murunas, along the north coast, Madang Province.)