By: Mortimer Yangharry
Surinki Women Farmers Cooperative Society Limited (SWFCSL) is a self reliant group formed by women in the Surinki constituency of the Lagaip District who have decided to venture into commercial agriculture.
Founder and spokeswoman Peam Yakali said that the group is made up of 68 women who have decided to plant sweet potatoe and Iriah potatoes given the suitable soil fertility and humid environment of their local area allowing them to farm in huge quantities.
Ms Yakali mentioned that the sweet potato and Irish potatoe yields are ready for harvest this Christmas and into the New Year.
She mentioned that for a 40kg bag of sweet potatoe it is being sold ranging from K40.00 to K100 depending on the quality of the harvest.
Ms Yakali added that a 50kg of Irish potatoes is also being sold with prices ranging from K60.00 to K100.00 respectively.
“Planting sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes is one main activity that we are engaged in to ensure rural housholds have a income source to sustain themselves,” Yakali said.
With the reopening of the giant Pogera gold mine, she is determined and confident of supplying the mine with their produce along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Yakali is optimistic that the Surinki Women Farmers Cooperative Society Limited will partner with local contractors alike in the resource rich Pogera Valley to supply the mining township with fresh produce from the Surinki area.
Interested buyers can visit their farm at Surinki along the Highlands Highway leading into Laiagam for purchase.
