Bulb onion training conducted at Gabakure Village, Suai LLG in the Sinesine-Yonggomugl district of Simbu Province has produced a very good result for farmers.
FPDA Village Extension Worker (VEW) Buckley Poiye says the community has realised that their land has the potential to produce bulb onions with marketable size and shape, and a good taste.
Mr Poiye added that his team were pleased with their produce and motivated to go into large scale bulb onion production.
The bulb onion harvest was cured by simply hanging for two weeks in a well aerated house. Once cured, the onions were sorted and packed. The farmers were then linked to a fresh produce consolidator from Goroka who paid K100 per 25kg net bag.
Community members were amazed to see that bulb onion could be a cash crop that can put money in their hands on the spot. As a result, a good number of people in Suai LLG have privately purchased bulb onion seeds and requested training from FPDA.
FPDA bulb onion training covers crop production, crop protection, management, post-harvest, and marketing.
In addition, FPDA will provide technical advice and supervision for individuals in the LLG who invest in farming by purchasing private start-up kits.