The introduction of the dryers puts PNG's vanilla industry on the path to meet the stringent quality demands of the global market. Photo: Supplied
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) believes the vanilla industry in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea, is set for a breakthrough , with the introduction of vanilla solar dryers.
The FAO, working with the European Union through its EU-STREIT PNG Programme, said this initiative is set to revolutionise the vanilla production process, and bring benefits to over 1,000 rural households in the Sepik region.
The solar dryers, spread over 9 central locations in the Sepik, are being used to enhance the drying process of vanilla beans.
The technology is not only eco-friendly but also ensures uniformity in bean quality - a critical factor for premium-grade vanilla, which highly sought after in international markets.
The solar dryers significantly reduce the curing time while maintaining the size, aroma, and uniform colour of the beans.
Each solar dryer can dry ten kilogrammes of vanilla beans every seven days.
The prototype of the dryers was developed through a collaboration with the Yawasoro TVET Centre in East Sepik Province and a private metal workshop in Wewak, involving local students and technicians.
The introduction of the dryers puts PNG's vanilla industry on the path to meet the stringent quality demands of the global market. Photo: Supplied
A leader of the Kunai Oasis Women's Business Group from Tuonumbu Village of Yangoru-Saussia District, Nancy Fale, said beans processed with these dryers have exceptional shrinkage, smell, and a consistent colour.
"The solar dryer is giving us very high-quality beans that we don't usually see before. The beans have shrunk very well and still maintain their sizes; they smell so good and have a uniform colour across," she explained.
The introduction of the dryers puts PNG's vanilla industry on the path to meet the stringent quality demands of the global market.
The enhanced efficiency and quality control provided by this technology not only boost local farmers' incomes but also strengthen the country's competitiveness in the international vanilla market.
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme also provides capacity-building training in vanilla cultivation, husbandry, and processing techniques, along with essential tools and equipment.
