CPL assists farmers open bank accounts

THOUSANDS of local farmers had been assisted by the City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) group to open their bank accounts with Bank South Pacific, managing director Sir Mahesh Patel says.
He told The National that CPL had started opening up bank accounts for the farmers since 2011 and had helped thousands of local famers.
“By having a cashless system, farmers feel more secure, knowing that their money is safely deposited into their bank accounts and that they do not have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash in Port Moresby,” he said.
Sir Mahesh said to date, CPL had supported more than 20,000 farmers and suppliers since it acquired Stop and Shop 15 years ago.
“Currently, we are supporting well over 100 farmers and suppliers all over Central and Gulf, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Chimbu, Madang and Lae, with plans to get produce from other provinces such as Oro, Southern Highlands, and Hela,” he said.
“Apart from broccoli, cauliflower and other popular vegetables from the Highlands, we are getting agepa, ferns, kapiak leaves and mushrooms from Goroka and the Kennga and Membun banana’s from the Western Highlands, which are now selling in our shops.”
Sir Mahesh said CPL had partnered with the Fresh Produce Agency to run trainings on nursery management and supply chain issues.