Vegetable farmers and sellers in Port Moresby are making losses in the hundreds of kina after finding out that their vegetables shipped by Bismark Shipping, were rotten.
These rotten vegetables include carrots, avocados, taros, and cabbages.
Agriculture and Live Stock Secretary says the government has set up a scheme to help farmers subsidize the freight cost but it is still frustrating to see unhappy farmers receive rotten vegetables.
These vegetables are transported from Goroka and Hagen to Lae before they are shipped to Port Moresby by Bismark Shipping, where each container is charged at K2000.
This week angry farmers and vegetable sellers raised their concerns after receiving rotten vegetables and fruits from Bismark shipping.
They say Bismark shipping failed to properly handle their vegetables, where certain fruits such as Avocado and Carrots were shipped in dry containers, therefore rotting away.
While it is an expensive exercise for the vegetable farmers, the government has stepped in to support the farmers by subsidizing the freight cost.
There are still questions raised by the unhappy vegetable farmers if Bisbark will pay for the damages or loss made.
Kombuk says appropriate measures will be taken to solve the matter so that farmers are not left vulnerable.
By Godwin Eki, EMTV News, Port Moresby
