Peanut farmers on Gaua in Torba Province are taking steps towards value addition after receiving training on how to process peanuts into peanut butter.

The training, conducted by the Department of Industry and Trade, is aimed at helping farmers move beyond selling raw peanuts and develop products that could create more economic opportunities.

Gaua is considered one of the economic hubs of Torba Province and has a range of natural resources, including peanuts grown by many local farmers.

Senior Research and Product Development Officer at the Department of Industry and Trade, Marie Dick, said the training focused on the full process of producing peanut butter, including food safety and hygienic handling.

“The peanuts are dried and roasted before the shells are removed and the peanuts are processed through a machine. We trained participants on how to handle the product in a hygienic way through basic food safety, so they can produce something that is clean and safe for consumers.”

She said the training covered several stages, including an introduction to food safety, processing and food preservation before participants produced the final product.

Machinery and Packaging Remain a Challenge

While participants have welcomed the new skills, peanut farmer and training participant David Wesaror said access to machinery and other materials, including packaging, remains one of the main challenges.

Assistant Area Administrator for East Gaua Area Council, Glenda Rereman, said the council is prepared to help raise these challenges with the relevant authorities.

She encouraged farmers to seek assistance after completing the training rather than allowing the new skills to go unused.

The training is taking place this week, with many of the peanut farmers now preparing to apply for permits as they move towards producing value-added products.