Villagers successful in onion farming

 By ERIC BALARIA

A SMALL community in Chimbu has proven that onions can be produced in bulk locally.

The Womkama community in the Gembogl district recently commenced their third successful production of the vegetable with more than 5 tonnes produced under their association, Individual Reform and Restoration Movement (IRRM ).

IRRM is a community based organisation that focused on agriculture, reforestation, eco-tourism, village infrastructure and personal development.

Coordinator Tobby Sundu said the villagers had come a long way in using their natural resources to improve their own socio-economic needs and the production output was a result of self-reliance.

“We have single farmers who are able to produce this much bulb onion without much support from our government,” Sundu said.

“And we are now having 1000 to 2000 bags being produced consistently with quality and quantity and are at stock.

“And because the bulk production, the onions are being sold very cheaply

“This shows that our local people can produce our own bulb onion without being reliant on imports.”

Sundu said since their establishment in 2005, their bulb onion production in Chimbu had grown over the years, especially with assistance of the aid organisation, Oxfam.

However, he said with increased production, there was a need for an accessible market for them to sell. 

“Oxfam has been assisting IRRM and KGWan, another local community group, to maintain the bulb onion project for the communities here,” he said.

“There is potential for local mass distribution but we need the market available for ease of access.

“We were able to talk to some big companies for weekly purchases but it is an ongoing process.

“The market would allow us and buyers around the country to access our produce so production is maintained without going to waste”.