Maprik gives raw agricultural products the big push

Maprik in East Sepik plans to process raw agricultural products for the good of the people, says MP John Simon.
He said they were selling raw cocoa, coffee and vanilla beans to international markets.
“Our plan is that by 2027, we will be processing these beans and selling by-products,” Simon, pictured, said.
“These plans are been outlined in the Sepik Central Revenue and Poverty Reduction Programme.”
Simon said a copy of the plan was presented to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Finance Minister James Marape on Tuesday.
He said the plan was about developing agriculture, focusing on vanilla, cocoa and coffee.
“Family units and communities within the economic zones are the primary backbone of the value-chain model,” Simon said.
“More women and children will get involved. There will be immense economic returns from this programme from vanilla, cocoa and coffee.
“It will change the trend of selling raw beans to processed by-products.”