MORE than 200 rice farmers from two districts in the Western Highlands Province need support to package and sell their rice in shops in Mt Hagen.

The rice farmers from Mt Hagen Central and Nebilyer districts, who have grown hectares of rice and have so far harvested and milled more than 10 tonnes, say they need support to sell their rice.

A farmer from Nebilyer in WHP selling home grown rice using a cup. It is sold at K2 per cup.

Chairman of Koltom rice farmers in Mt Hagen Central, Leo Wani said they have seven hectares of rice while another five hectares of land is being cleared.

He said they have harvested and milled more than six tonnes of rice for their own consumption and also sell in their communities and would like to extend their sales to shops in Mt Hagen.

Their interest is the same for rice farmers in the Nebilyer area, who have planted more than six hectares of rice and have harvested and milled around five tonnes.

Nebilyer rice farmers leader, Timson Mura said selling their rice at shops in Mt Hagen is their greatest desire.

Mr Mura and Mr Wani said they need support from the government or business organisations to package, promote and sell their rice.

They added that this would take the interest of the rice farmers to another level to grow rice in the districts for commercial purposes.

A farmer from Nebilyer in WHP selling home grown rice using a cup. It is sold at K2 per cup.

Published Date: March 28, 2024