Oro rice is on the market and that is official.
Six tons of Oro rice have left the shores of Northern Province and shipped to Trukai Industries in Lae, Morobe Province, to be on the shelves in shops.
Another 18 tons are packed and will depart the Oro wharf in the coming months.
Northern Governor Gary Juffa mentioned this during the Trukai Industries Field Day at Erap on Friday.
"Oro Rice Association has packed six tons of rice for Trukai Industries. Another 18 will be shipped across shortly. This is the culmination of hard work by our local farmers and Trukai Industries.
"I must give credit to my farmers for their consistency in producing rice," he said.
Governor Juffa said both the Oro Provincial Government and Trukai Industries have reached an understanding last year to support each other to grow rice. The display of Oro rice at the demonstration day is the result of that partnership.
Oro Rice Growers Association chairman Edric Saejo was commended for his vision of rice in Oro where he even led four local farmers to Erap.
Saejo said the crop was new in the province but it was making wonders in terms of high grains being produced and packed to Trukai Industries.
He thanked his Governor (Juffa) for signing the agreement with Trukai Industries where it gave them, the local farmers, the opportunity to produce rice for cash.
The Oro Rice Growers Association also collected more than K3000 from Trukai Industries for their effort.