Firm provides market for carrot, potato farmers

HUNDREDS of carrots and potato farmers in the Sirunki area of Enga have sold their local produce to Innovative Agro Industry, project supervisor Aimos Joseph says.
Carrots were included in the market list early this month by the company on top of the potatoes, which it started buying last year.
Joseph, who is special projects coordinator for Enga administration, said the project was aimed at putting money into the pockets of local people, create wealth, enhance food security and alleviate poverty.
The price for fresh carrots is K2 per kg while potato is K1.80 per kg.
Joseph said the locals had been growing carrots and potato on their land for several years.
“They have the fertile land, and they are skilful in growing,” he said.
“Our aim is to support them, and provide them with a market.
“That is what we are doing in partnership with the company here.”
Joseph asked the farmers to do crop rotation on the same land, so that they would maintain their yield and at the same time have a consistent income.
The Kepelam seed potato multiplication project is providing seedlings to potato farmers for free.
All districts have been asked to get free supply from them.