Goshen Enterprise Pack House Lights up as Electricity Finally Arrives on Site

Goshen Enterprise in Malaita Province has reached another achievement as electricity has finally reached their pack house at Adailua this month, thanks to Solomon Power. 

Since its founding in 2019, Goshen has become an important part of the taro-processing industry, helping the rural economy and providing local farmers with a place to sell their taro.

Levite Maesimae, a representative of Goshen, shared that the idea to start a taro business came from a need in rural communities, where many taro farmers had trouble finding reliable markets. “The vision to go into taro was because there was a need for people in our rural communities, especially taro farmers who were always looking for a market for their products,” Levite explained.

Even with limited resources at the beginning, the team worked hard to create a successful local business. A key moment came in 2022 when Goshen received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) through a program called Enhanced Capabilities of Agriculture Trade (ECAT) as part of the Enhanced Integrated Program (EIF). “They advertised interest for those wanting to go into taro exporting,” Levite said, noting how this opportunity helped Goshen grow.

Now that power has reached their pack house in Adailiua, it will be easier for them to fully utilize their facilities and increase their frozen taro production. However, they still need to address issues with the water system at the facility. Levite thanked Strongium Bisinis International for their timely support and mentioned that local drilling work is expected to start soon.

Goshen also plans to begin an outreach program this year to reconnect with Taro Outgrowers Associations in North, Central, and South Malaita. Levite encouraged farmers and young people in the area to get involved in agriculture, saying, "Let us put our hands on the plough and work to build Malaita and the Solomon Islands."

End///