DROP IN COPRA PRICES IRKED LOCAL COPRA PRODUCERS
A local copra producer preparing coconuts for copra. Photo credit: Our Pacific Ways.
Cocoa and Copra producers in North Malaita are discouraged over a slight drop of cocoa and copra price in the domestic and world market.
SIBC Stringer Mr John Andrew Kiri reports, Cocoa and Copra producers in North Malaita are discouraged at the news.
“The drop in copra prices at the global or domestic level has discouraged copra producers that they didn’t want to produce copra anymore. Copra as we all know is a long time main source of income for the rural people or our farmers in the country and they said not at any time do copra prices remain stable in the country to make them happy.”
Mr Kiri adds, producers in that region appeal to the government to stabilize the price of these products.
Meanwhile, Regulatory and Quality Assurance Division of the Commodities, Exports and Marketing Agency (CEMA) clarifies, its just a slight drop.
The Division confirms, the drop was caused by the economic crisis in Asia which affects major agencies.
It said the current drop would not take long and will hopefully improve soon.