Photo credit: David Shields
According to an official, the reopening of the Porgera mine would allow the Enga Women in Agriculture Association (Ewaa) to produce honey and vegetables.
Margaret Potane, the president of Ewaa, said the organization's goal was to get women in the province involved in honey production.
“Following the signing of the agreement to reopen the Porgera mining between the landowners and the Government, this is a big boost for us to venture more into agriculture and tell the Government that ‘yes, we can provide our own food’,” she said.
“Honey production is unique and we are aware of its costs so we want to venture into it so we prove to our provincial government and the Government that we can produce honey.”
Potane added that the association could also train women to grow chili, tomatoes, capsicum, onion, garlic and other vegetables for market.
“Most times we import vegetables and fruits to supply to our mines, this year, the Enga Women in Agriculture is taking the lead, showing a good example to other provinces that they can do it so we all can tap into agriculture,” she said.
The collaboration between Ewaa and the climate-resilient green growth project team, according to Potane, has aided Ewaa's move into honey production.
Reference: The National (15 February 2022). “Association interested in honey-making”.
