Rabi Factory plan receives boost for VCO production

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Maneesha Karan Monday, February 28, 2011

THE plan to establish a factory for virgin coconut oil production on Rabi Island is materialising for World of Difference candidate Terikano Takesau when she received some funds this week.

Ms Takesau, who initiated the project, received $2,400 from a Savusavu businessman for her $24,000 project.

"A factory will enable the community to generate more income and be able to meet the increasing market demand," Ms Takesau said.

"Currently women are manually producing oil at home and whenever they can, but this is a drawback because we have received orders from companies."

They have received a monthly order of 1000 litres by two companies.

Ms Takesau also conducted a workshop whereby 80 participants from the island's four villages were taught the process of producing virgin coconut oil, homemade soap and body lotions.

They also learnt skills to pack and label the products.

"The women have the skills to manually produce virgin oil, soap and, body lotion and using local fragrance.

"The trade has helped generate more income from fewer coconuts.

"For example 30 coconuts produce products and these include five 500ml virgin oil, which is sold at $10 each, two soap bars sold for $3.20 each and two 250 ml lotion sold at $9.50 each."

The project also included the planting of 160 coconut trees to support the 'Planting one million trees' campaign.

[Stacey King]

Not a truer word was said Tawita!

[Tawita.Maibintebure]

Thanks for the great work!. God only help those who help themselves.