Local farmer teams up with company

The National Business

FATHER of three Henry Airi from Mekeo in Central is a local farmer who regularly brings his fresh produce grown at his Inavaia village to City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL) to sell.
Airi has been farming his own land for the past seven years.
He used to sell at markets, restaurant, supermarkets and hotels in Port Moresby until he teamed up with CPL’s fresh produce department and found it easy, reliable and also he could supply CPL with their desired quantity request.
Airi is a farmer who consistently supplies bird eye chillies, local oranges, guava, lemon and pawpaw.
“I make couple of visits during the week to CPL and I always bring my children, daughter in-law or wife to learn the processes involved so they can do it themselves if I cannot do it in the future.
“I am also teaching them to be self-reliant as I see the rewards and benefits of farming and selling our produce directly to CPL.” Stop & Shop, under CPL group of companies, will continue to buy local produce and support local farmers nationwide as the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting global food system, disrupting regional agriculture value chain.
CPL managing director Mahesh Patel said: “We encourage all farmers to continue farming the land and continue the supply of local produce.
“Consistency in supply and quality is going to be the key.”

5 comments

  • I am a local famer from Goilala District and would like to participate in selling my local produe to CPL group if opportunity be given to promote economic independence in our community.

    I thank the Management of CPL for giving this opportunity to the local farmers of Central Province to make use of our land.

  • Thank you CPL for your wisdom in supporting local farmers. The National government, provincial and local level governments can continue to work together and assist local farmers. It would be better if other businesses and stakeholders could as well follow CPL.

  • I commend CPL for establishing the market for our local farmers. Farmers access to established markets has been a major issue and CPL providing this opportunity is commendable.

  • Thank you CPL for providing the avenue for our local farmers. This will boost their morale and encourage others to join/start their own.
    Thumbs up Mr Airi and your hard working family, not forgetting Mr Patel and your CPL team.

  • CPL is doing a great job when it comes to supporting our local farmers. Great initiative. I hope other supermarkets in the city will be able to do the same in the near future.

Comments are closed.