Rabi Producers seek State financial help

[Stacey King]

Fiji Times Online Maneesha Karan Monday, August 15, 2011

THE producers of virgin coconut oil on Rabi are willing to expand their production quota after their first year of operations.

However, to cater for the product's growing demand, the Banaban Women's Organisation is seeking financial assistance to purchase much-needed equipment.

Organisation president Terikano Takesau said they needed coconut graters and squeezers.

They currently own two graters which cost $900 each, while most of the squeezing is done by hand.

The women produce up to 200 litres of oil per week with a market value of $20 a litre.

The group has bagged clients in Savusavu and supply J Dayaram Supermarket 40 250-millilitre bottles of oil at $5 a bottle and 35 500-millilitres bottles at $10 each.

Mr Takesau said the additional equipment would help increase production and enable the women to secure more deals.

"We're receiving a positive response from our clients and they've expressed a willingness to place larger orders," Ms Takesau said.

"We would like to meet the demand but we lack the resources."