Papindo will support spice industry: Sir Soekandar

PAPINDO Group of companies managing director Sir Soekandar Tjandra says the company will support Papua New Guinea’s spice industry.
He said this after being sworn in as an exporter’s representative during a Spice Board meeting last Friday.
“I will now look into other spices rather than focusing on vanilla as the spice industry has some of the crops that have potential in exporting that can generate income for the country,” sir Soekandar said.
“Spice producers have been working for years with little government incentive. But the potential for PNG to rake in large export revenues has not been fully exploited.
“I want to urge farmers, especially those who are growing spices, to seriously look after and maintain quality and grow spices as the timing is right now to go into this industry,” Sir Soekandar said.
Papindo Group of Companies Ltd is the main buyer of vanilla beans in East Sepik.
“We have been supporting local vanilla industry which has contributed to improved living standards for the rural population in Papua New Guinea.”
Sir Soekandar said his company had been committed to buying vanilla from farmers in Maprik, Ambunti-Drekikier, Wosera-Gawi, Angoram, Yangoru-Saussia and Wewak since 2002.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Livestock secretary Daniel Kombuk thanked the company for their continuous effort in instilling confidence in country’s vanilla industry.