Goshen Enterprise to Resume Taro Buying in Malaita

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AUKI, MALAITA — Goshen Enterprise Ltd will resume buying taro from Malaita farmers next week, following the arrival of long-awaited industrial-grade taro processing machines at its Adaliua Packhouse.

In a statement, the company said the new equipment marks a major milestone for the local agribusiness and its network of outgrowers, resolving previous delays and paving the way for increased production.

For years, Goshen Enterprise has been a key market for taro farmers in Malaita, purchasing their produce for domestic use and future export. The company has invested heavily in the sector, establishing a taro farm and a packhouse at Adaliua with support from the government and development partners. However, operations had stalled due to incomplete infrastructure and missing equipment—causing frustration among farmers.

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Boost for Taro Farmers

The arrival of the new machinery — including taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers — is expected to remove a major bottleneck in production.

“This will significantly boost efficiency, allowing Goshen to increase its processing capacity and meet the rising demand for frozen taro products,” a company spokesperson said.
“We are incredibly pleased to see the machinery finally in place. This means we can move forward with our plans to ramp up production and provide a reliable market for our hardworking taro farmers.”

Goshen currently works with several taro farmer associations across Malaita and plans to expand its supplier network to more than 480 households. The resumption of buying will provide much-needed stability and income security for these farmers.

Preparing for Export

With the new processing capability, Goshen is one step closer to achieving its long-term goal of exporting taro products overseas. The industrial equipment will help the company produce higher volumes of consistently processed taro that meet international quality and safety standards.

While the company still needs a commercial cool room to fully meet export requirements, the use of chest freezers will support immediate production needs. Goshen is working closely with partners including the Ministry of Commerce and Strongim Bisnis to complete the upgrades and achieve HACCP compliance.

Collaboration for Growth

The company said the success of the Adaliua Packhouse reflects strong collaboration among stakeholders supporting Solomon Islands agriculture.

“With backing from the Solomon Islands Government, Australian aid, and donor programs, Goshen Enterprise is creating jobs, empowering local farmers, and building a more sustainable taro industry in Malaita,” the statement said.

“As taro buying resumes next week, both farmers and consumers can look forward to a new era of growth and opportunity.”