Local spices have potential for export, says producer

By LEMACH LAVARI
A lack of investment is limiting the production of locally grown spices, which already has a domestic market and the potential to be sold overseas, says a local producer.
Spice Industry Development Programme (SIDP) director Sakarias Ikio said he has been operating a small processing centre from home.
He produces chillis, ginger, turmeric, cardamom and curry powder which he sells in 100-gram bottles to supermarkets and hotels in Goroka.
Ikio said he did not have the equipment and manpower to meet the demand in Goroka alone.
He said a supermarket in Port Moresby had made some enquiries.
“I need investment to increase my capacity to meet the market demand,” Ikio said.
He was invited by the Department of Agriculture and
Livestock to show his products to delegates at the Apec third senior officials’ meeting (SOM3) that started last week in Port Moresby.
Ikio said the delegates were interested in his product.
He has five people working with him and carrying out extension programmes in Goroka.
“I do not have the funds to employ the number of people I need,” Ikio said.
“Those who continue to work with me are as passionate about the potential of the spice industry in the country.”
He engages about 200 spice farmers through extension programmes.
They teach the farmers how to grow and prepare the spices.
They then buy the spices from the farmers and process them into powdered products.
Ikio said he would continue to seek assistance from the Eastern Highlands government and Department of Agriculture and Livestock.