Simbu cooperative gets K80,000 seed boost for 100 farmers

The Simbu Farmers' Cooperative Society Limited [SFCSL] has received K80,000 worth of seedlings, ending a frustrating 14-year delay for its 100 members across Simbu's six districts.

Registered in 2013, the cooperative secured funding from partners Fresh Produce Development Agency [FPDA] and Market for Village Farmers [MVF].

SFCSL lawyer Joel Nime attributed past setbacks to management issues but hailed yesterday's rollout as a new beginning.

"We want to support our farmers to become self-reliant, covering school fees, medical bills, and basic needs," Nime said.

He said the farmers received seedlings supplies of potatoes, bulb onions, cabbage seedlings, plus fertilizers and pesticides, complete starter kit for commercial farming.

Nime said, SFCSL will buy the harvest through its marketing arm, Simbu Farmers Marketing Limited, and link farmers to larger markets.

Miugle Farmers Association leader Anton Bula, whose group has 100 members, praised the SFCSL team but noted the initial batch won't cover everyone.

"We'll plant the potatoes first, use the harvest to multiply seedlings for all members, then sell the second crop," Bula explained.

He praised SFCSL for this strategy which aims to stretch resources and benefit every farmer.

The event drew Deputy Governor and all six district presidents, who witnessed an MoU signing between farmers and the cooperative.

A monitoring team will track progress, with safeguards for natural disasters.

Chairman for SFCSL Ps. Smith Dekene, who led distributions, stressed empowerment, saying that this is about building sustainable livelihoods.

The group also urged government to recall a K1 million unspent grant for better utilization.

With strong backing, Simbu farmers are poised for a bumper season ahead.