Cocoa farmers get Xmas gifts

OUTSPAN PNG Ltd brought more meaning this Christmas to over 2,500 cocoa farmers in Morobe, distributing 1,250 pieces of tool kit as part of the farmer’s incentive giveaway from the company.
Most farmers were part of Outspan’s sustainable programme, Lindt and Sprüngli cocoa farming in the province.
The set of tools included a bow saw, secateurs, pole pruner and gumboots, all procured from Agmark, Lae, at a value of more than K100,000.
From the 1,250 pieces, Markham farmers received 710 pieces while Lae farmers received 540 sets. Lindt programme manager Richard Kawah, on behalf of Outspan country manager Basavaraj Mashetty, said the tools distributed to farmers aimed to ensure an increase in productivity over the next 12 months.
“We have invested not only in cocoa farming and focusing on improving farm productivity, but also supported social infrastructures in the programme area in Morobe,” Kawah said.
He said water supply in Sauruan village and Sangang Primary School classroom in Markham received support from the company for renovations among other programmes.