More than 30 female Vanuatu farmers are part of a group of farmers that have earned over VT 2 million during their two-week sale of local produce and small livestock animals at Marobe market house.
Farmers from South West Epi are currently selling their local produce and small livestock animals with financial support from Member of Parliament (MP) for Epi, Isaac Daniel Tongolilu.
The group’s Team leader, Helen Tom, said the farmers are so happy and fortunate to have this opportunity to access markets outside the island of Epi.
“This is the fifth trip sponsored by MP Tongolilu since the beginning of this year 2019. Even though we are far away from home we still feel at home because all our expenses including transportation, meals are financed by our MP.
“The only expenses covered by farmers are the transportation of our products from our farm gate to the ship and the table fees at Marobe market house,” said Tom.
She said having access to markets outside of Epi island provides an opportunity for local farmers to earn more income.
“Each farmer has earned over VT100,000 in just two weeks of sale making up approximately VT 3 million in total.
“The farmers came with root crops like taro and yam, fruits and small livestock animals like pigs and local chicken,” Tom added.
She said this is the second time that she has participated in the programme that is sponsored by Tongolilu.
Photo supplied Caption: Famer Helen Tom at Marobe Market house