A taste of Morobe will now be available in the United States of America (USA), after Lae based Muruk Tropical Produce Limited exported their first container load of Morobe taros to the State of California. Owner and Managing Director of Muruk Tropical Produce, Mrs. Anna Wissinks, when speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG, said there is a big demand for traditional food in the USA. “There is a big island community in the USA and although they live far away from their island homes, they still like to eat traditional food, including taro.” She said that this is what prompted her to attempt to supply to meet the demand in America. Muruk Tropical Produce buys taro from the Lae, Markham, Nawaeb Districts and surrounding areas in the Morobe Province. “Once we buy the taros from the farmers, we have our workers who peel, fine peel, wash down the taro and chop the vegetable into sizeable pieces to be packaged and frozen.” Anna explained that the product is great, as its processing ensures it lasts longer and retains its freshness and taste. “It is a sustainable business, and it gives the local an incentive and opportunity to earn money for their produce and a market access that they would otherwise not have.” She explained that there are areas that need development, if rural taro farmers can earn an income for their surplus, and if such businesses as Muruk Tropical Produce are to do well. “There is a need for the Morobe Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) to educate our rural taro farmers, how to grow better crops.” Anna said this should be coupled with financial literacy trainings as well, so the farmers become business minded and get into a culture of savings. “I plan to speak to the Provincial Government through the Morobe DAL… we need their assistance; we need to be talking logistics and government subsidies for price control.” Anna was happy to reveal to PNGHAUSBUNG that she had received a favorable response from the Finschaffen MP, to assist the local farmers in his District to bring their produce to a more accessible location for buyers like Muruk Tropical Produce, to buy taros in bulk for export. “Muruk Tropical Produce is a bridge for rural taro farmers to an international market, but we need cooperation from the Government to continue to promote and supply to the overseas market.”