FPDA’s Momase Regional office in Lae, Morobe Province, has been assisting local farmers to venture into vegetable farming. Gabensis Model Farm, located about five kilometres south of Markham Bridge, is a dream come true for the local women (landowners of the Wafi Golpu Gold project.)
While the men were involved with cocoa, coffee, and other tree crops, the women were limited to household chores. This mindset has now shifted for women from Gabensis. They have initiated a model farm group called Gabensis Women’s Association, with over 200 members and 22 farms spread across the Huon Gulf District.
After attending free training provided by FPDA officers, the women have gained the knowledge and skills to grow introduced vegetables that they never dreamed of growing before.
The women farmers are supported by their husbands and now supply fresh vegetables to Morobe Mines through NKW Fresh, a landowner company.
Association chairlady Dento Ankie said this was a new concept for them. “We never thought of this type of farming. Thanks to FPDA for bringing us new inspiration.”
“In most of our daily chores as women, we risk our lives climbing coconuts, chopping trees and doing men’s work but this time we have found our dream job,” she said.
Ms. Ankie added that mothers are happy to work on their farms and grow vegetables not only to sell, but also to feed their families.
“You brought smiles to our faces and we will transfer these skills and knowledge to our children to carry on this work,” she said.
When visiting the site, FPDA Production and Value Chain Systems Divisional Manager Joe Koima said that FPDA wants to unite families and communities through farming, and added that vegetable farming provided an opportunity for women farmers to take the lead in this concept.
“FPDA is happy to be here. We will assist you wherever we can. You have started growing pakchoi and we will assist with growing other crops as well depending on the market demands,” he said.
Men support women’s farming program
Gabensis community chairman and board member of the Wafi Golpu Land Owners Association Emonteng Atem said he has been supporting the women since they started the program a year ago.
“I have supported our mothers here because they brought a new development concept to our community. We are excited to work with FPDA.”
While thanking FPDA for its assistance Mr. Atem added that they also need financial support from their district and provincial administration so the women can improve and expand their work. Mr Atem said he wanted to see more of FPDA’s presence in their community so more women and young people can start farming their land.
Village Magistrate Paul Isit said that it was the Women in Business slogan ‘things won’t change unless you change yourself’, that inspired him to support the women.
He said village people know how to work the land but lacked skills and knowledge on topics such as soil preparation, chemical use, and weather patterns. They also needed to learn how to grow crops to meet market demands and specifications.
“We thank FPDA for bringing us these new skills and knowledge. I have now been convinced to follow our mothers in their work. It has been good progress so far and we want you to come around more often,” he said.