Betelnut season

While some major centres around the country, including Port Moresby, are facing betelnut shortage, Madang residents are laughing away as the betelnut season takes off  in the province.  Pictured is Lucy Woka, a vendor from West Sepik province, who lives on Karasin Island near Madang, selling betelnut at prices ranging from 10 toea to 20 toea. She sells her betelnut near Madang Club, where Biliau Island vendors sell cooked food, fried fish and cold drinks.  The betelnut markets in Madang since late last month have been crowded with buyers from the Highlands region. – Story and picture by JAMES KILA of Ramu NiCo