A leading ginger farmer from Vanua Lava in Vanua Lava has taken a major step forward by moving from selling raw ginger to producing ginger powder.
Hitchinson Mumeg, a well-known farmer in the area, says producing ginger powder has been a long-time dream that finally became reality in 2025.
He explained that he began planning to expand into value-added production three to four years ago but only put the plan into action last year after harvesting his crop in October and November.
“Ginger, I have been planting about three to four years ago, but last year when we harvested in October and November, I started thinking about turning it into powder. So I just started producing ginger powder last year and placed it in my two stores in Sola,” Mr Mumeg said.
He said ginger powder sells faster than raw ginger at the market and provides a more reliable source of income.
Mr Mumeg also acknowledged support from the Departments of Industry and Agriculture in Torba Province, which assisted him with equipment including a ginger grinder machine, weighing scales, and packaging materials.
“Industry and Agriculture provided a ginger grinder or powder machine and plastics for packaging and weighing. They helped me last year, and I hope this year they can continue supporting me as production increases towards the end of the year,” he said.
In a similar move towards value addition, Louis Aton from East Vanua Lava has begun producing pineapple juice as a second source of income.
He said he owns three pineapple gardens and noticed that when harvest time arrives, there is often excess fruit. To reduce waste and increase earnings, he started making juice.
“On the pineapple side, I have three gardens, and when harvest time comes, there are too many pineapples. That is why I started making juice. In one day, I can produce 20 to 30 bottles,” he said.
VBTC News understands that more than 10 farmers in Torba Province are now participating in or expressing interest in value-added production programs.
