Maprik potential food processor

Business, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday February 27th, 2014

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

MAPRIK in East Sepik has the potential to produce peanut butter and chocolate owing to its substantial supply of raw materials, a local businessman said. 

Entrepreneur Yaliwi Nongi said locals would use their skills to process raw peanut into peanut butter and cocoa into chocolate.

He was reacting to the K500,000 committed by local MP John Simon to support the cottage industry.

“This way, we also would like to change the practice of exporting and consuming only to processing the raw materials we have,” Nongi said. 

He said Maprik could venture into in sewing, fish farming, furniture- making and other sectors of the cottage industry.

Nongi said as such, the support shown by the local government would go a long way in building the local economy. 

“The political and government support that we are receiving will enhance the cash flow and help the people to make use of their natural talents.” 

Nongi said the involvement of the people in Maprik in cottage industry would discourage others from travelling to batas, the market area at the Wutung border in Sandaun.