Over a few days, I ventured to Rigo District to meet a chilli farmer, before travelling to Sogeri where I meet ginger growers to gain a better understanding as to how we could source high quality spices from these farmers moving forward.
My journey began with a two-hour drive from Port Moresby to the Rigo District to meet Daniel, a Bird’s Eye Chilli grower.
When we arrived, Daniel told us that he only had a few chilli bushes in fruit, as the season had been very dry, and like many farmers in this region, he has no means of irrigation. This highlighted the first major hurdle these farmers have to overcome. Without a pump and some form of water storage, Daniel and hundreds of farmers like him are totally weather dependent.
In spite of the hardships faced, Daniel was warm and hospitable, sharing his love of chillies with me!
Fortunately, Daniel is still able to make a modest income from his banana crop, and we hope there will be rain soon. When it does rain, seeds from past plants will re-germinate and dozens of new plants will emerge in a haphazard, yet highly effective way.