Ben’s Trading Boosts Local Sales

A leading root crop exporter has turned to the local market to sell his produce.

Ben’s Trading Limited said the measure was necessary to avoid wastage.

Managing director Peni Moi said farmers relied heavily on export services for income.

“With coronavirus hitting businesses hard, farmers are not spared.

“Previously, whenever we were hit by a natural disaster, within 24 hours after a cyclone or any natural disaster, we visited farmers to purchase crops to store in my cooler before it rots. I do this because even after a cyclone, the farmers would at least earn some money.

“Now with the lockdown and the slow growth in business, farmers have no option but to let their crops rot because we cannot get to them and we cannot export.I feel for them because I understand these farmers have worked on their farms for months” he said.

Ben’s Trading Ltd’s main processing plant is located in Navua.

“Maintaining the cooler because of recent power cuts is expensive.

“For a month now, I have been selling dalo at $20 a bag at markets in Nadi, Namaka, Lautoka and Votualevu roundabout.

“They are of export quality, some of which are processed.

“After three to four days, I have to sell it to maintain the quality of dalo,” he said.

Ben’s Trading Ltd has 50 delivery vehicles that visit farmers.

Ledua Qalobula, a crop farmer of Naitasiri, supplies crops to Ben’s Trading Ltd.

Confinement zone

He said he was to transport crops to Navua, but was unable to because a confinement zone for the main Suva area was set up at Sawani.

“Adding to the problem, the road was flooded and partially swept away because of Tropical Cyclone Harold.

“Dalo was supposed to be harvested last week, but we didn’t because of the weather.

“The dalo we supply to Ben’s Trading Ltd is our main source of income,” Mr Qalobula said.

The 40-year old also plants kumala and cassava at his Muaniweni farm.

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj