Province set up citrus buying point

A CITRUS buying-point has been set up in Minj, Jiwaka to assist farmers get their produce to the market.
The provincial government through the Jiwaka Development Corporation and Innovative Agro Industries will be buying lemons, lime, oranges and tangerines.
Farmers from Jiwaka and neighbouring provinces have been selling their produce to the new buying-point in Minj as they await the opening of the buying point this week.
From the buying point, the citrus fruits are delivered to markets in Lae and Port Moresby, creating market access to Jiwaka’s farmers and providing urban consumers quality citrus at affordable prices.
The buying point is part of a partnership that includes assisting farmers with inputs, extension services and technology.
Margaret Deruage, the officer in charge at the Minj buying point, said it had received good feedback from the farmers.
“Before the buying point started its operation, accessing markets for their citrus was a challenge for most farmers,” she said.
“The few who succeeded in selling their citrus had to deal with traders and agents who sold their produce to the markets but paid the farmers a very low price.
“Other farmers had to endure a risk-filled, costly and time-consuming journey.”
Deruage graduated from Vudal University and has been working with IAI since 2015.
She started as plant protection officer at 9-Mile Farm and moved to the Highlands to work as an extension officer at the Sirunki farm in Enga.